The 7 Stages of Grieving by Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman
Full $50 + $3.50 Booking Fee
Concession $45 + $3.50 Booking Fee
Under 18 $40 + $3.50 Booking Fee
Group 6+ $45 + $3.50 Booking Fee
+ BREC Access
A Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company production
Cultural Warning: This production of The 7 Stages of Grieving is a powerful exploration of Aboriginal history that includes coarse language and adult themes. The performance depicts experiences of cultural genocide, racial abuse, police brutality, and trauma. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander survivors and community members are advised that this performance also contains the names and voices of people who have passed away.
Age Recommendation: 15+
One woman reflects on community, dispossession, resistance and pride.
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.
The play is directed by Bobbi Henry, Yirra Yaakin’s Artistic Associate Director, and performed in a series of 23 vignettes by WAAPA graduate Shontane Farmer and Shahnee Hunter, winner of Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s 2023 Deadly Funny competition, in alternating shows.
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.
Artist Credits
Playwrights Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman
Director Bobbi Henry
Director Mentor Jo Pollitt
Set & Costume Designer Charlotte Meagher
AV Designer Emma Fishwick
Composer & Sound Designer Rebecca Riggs-Bennett
Lighting Designer Kristie Smith
Movement Director Janine Oxenham
Stage Manager Shannen Moulton
Assistant Stage Manager Reece Horne
Cast Shahnee Hunter & 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.
Tickets & Venue Info
If you experience any difficulties booking tickets, please contact our Box Office Team on 1300 661 272 – Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10am to 4pm.
ACCESSIBILITY For accessible bookings please contact our Box Office Team on 1300 661 272.
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We continue to encourage online bookings and contactless payments at the bar.
BREC ACCESS
A doorway to the arts that’s always open!
We want everyone to have the opportunity to see this show at BREC.
So here’s our offer. Through BREC Access we are making some seats available for those who need a good night out but who can’t manage full price at the moment and we invite those who can to ‘pay it forward’ and choose a higher price.
$10.00 OPEN – I need a good night out but the cost of living is starting to bite!
$25.00 ENTER – I need a good night out but can pay a bit more
$70.00 FLING – I want to pay it forward and fling open the doors for someone else
* Limited BREC Access Tickets available
“Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman’s 1995 play blends fury, humour and fabulous embellishments with a call to action.”
– The Guardian
“The 7 Stages of Grieving is an inspiring story of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It’s very exciting to have an all-female team of amazing creatives, who encourage and support each other in all aspects of the creative process.”
– Bobbi Henry