The 7 Stages of Grieving
*This performance is subject to tour funding confirmation in January 2026
by Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman
A Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company production
A NOTE FROM BREC’S CREATIVE LEARNING COORDINATOR
The 7 Stages of Grieving is a landmark of First Nations theatre – powerful, raw and deeply human. In just one hour, a solo performer traces seven phases of Aboriginal history, blending story, humour, and truth-telling. Presented by WA’s leading Aboriginal theatre company, Yirra Yaakin, this production invites students into urgent conversations about identity, resilience and shared history. Attending this show is a way your school can demonstrate reconciliation in action – a meaningful step toward cultural respect, understanding, and change.
FOR SCHOOL YEARS 11 – 12
CONTENT WARNING
Contains coarse language and adult themes. This performance depicts cultural genocide, racial abuse and trauma, and police brutality.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised this performance contains the names and voices of people who have passed away.
CURRICULUM LINKS
Cross curriculum priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, Sustainability
General capabilities: Creative and Critical Thinking, Intercultural Understanding, Ethical understanding, Personal and Social capability (empathy, resilience and identity) Literacy. Learning areas: The Arts (Dance, Music, Visual Arts, Drama), History, Geography and English.
The 7 Stages of Grieving by Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman continues to ask vital and stirring questions of the way we tell stories and how we remember the past.
Told by a single compelling narrator, the play weaves together cultural knowledge, memories, and personal experiences to share a powerful story of Aboriginal Australia. On its premiere in 1995, this play was a radical act of Aboriginal theatre-making. Thirty years later Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company presents a brand-new production of this classic of Australian theatre in its WA premiere – also the first time it has been presented by an Aboriginal Theatre Company.
A woman stands alone on stage. Over one gripping hour, she traces seven phases of Aboriginal history – Dreaming, Invasion, Genocide, Protection, Assimilation, Self-Determination, and Reconciliation. Mailman and Enoch’s script is a potent expression of resilience and survival, as well as humour, joy and strength. This production is an engaging, moving and ultimately empowering recognition of the loss of identity and Country and the will to fight back.
Artistic Credits
Playwrights Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman
Director Bobbi Henry
Director Mentor Jo Polli
Set & Costume Designer Charlotte Meagher
AV Designer Emma Fishwick
Composer & Sound Designer Rebecca Riggs-Benne
Lighting Designer Kris Ge Smith
Movement Director Janine Oxenham
Stage Manager Shannen Moulton
Assistant Stage Manager Reece Horne
Cast Shontane Farmer
About the Company
Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company was established in 1993. Since then, the company has evolved into a respected cultural leader and artistic hub for Aboriginal people from all over WA, Australia, and around the world. Yirra Yaakin produces award winning, world-class theatre, sharing Aboriginal stories through exciting, entertaining, educational and authentic new works. The company has commissioned and premiered more than 70 new major plays.
We have worked with and nurtured prestigious Aboriginal writers including David Milroy, Sally Morgan, Derek Nannup, Mitch Torres and Dallas Winmar, among many others.
ENQUIRIES & BOOKINGS
Bring your students to BREC for the best excursion you’ll have this year.
Book your school group now via the form below or contact the our team for more information.
Contact the BREC Education Office
T: 1300 661 272
E: education@bunburyentertainment.com
* Please note that BREC’s Creative Learning Program is subject to change.