When
21-22 May 2022
Season 2022 - book three or more shows and save!
Presented by Ensemble Theatre
Based on legendary First Nations cricketer, Johnny Mullagh, and Australia’s first international sporting team, this is a story of strength, resistance, hope and possibility.
More than 150 years ago, 13 brave Aboriginal men in Western Victoria picked up their cricket bats and embarked on a treacherous voyage to England and into the unknown – all in the name of sport. Risking illness and persecution, Australia’s first international cricket team – including Australia's first Indigenous sporting hero, Johnny Mullagh – amazed the English crowds, with astonishing talent, personality and grit. They should have returned to Australia as celebrated heroes. Instead, they came back to find the world they once knew was no longer there.
This is not just a story about cricket – this is story of strength, resistance, hope and possibility. When a group of young present-day activists sneak into the Wimmera Discovery Centre to expose the truth of what happened to Johnny and his team mates, a hidden legend of triumph and tragedy unfolds.
Funny and incredibly moving, Black Cockatoo is a new artistic collaboration between iconic Australian writer, Geoffrey Atherden (Mother & Son, Babakiueria) and former Sydney Festival Artistic Director, Wesley Enoch (Black Diggers).
1hr 30mins (no interval)
Suitable for ages 12+
Saturday Night 21 May Free Live pre-show entertainment - Autumn Alive
From 5.30pm see Millie Mills outside the Civic Bar.