VCE PLAYLIST 2022 / The Return

FROM TROPHIES OF DELUSION TO REDEMPTION

Once considered ‘exotic’ trophies of antiquity, the bodily remains of Indigenous men, women, and children served scientific theories of evolution and were prized objects displayed on mantelpieces. In the cover of darkness, grave robbers would pillage burial grounds, to sell Ancestral remains to the highest bidder. Thousands were sold.

Today, they are still locked away. Some are on display in museums, while others are hidden deep within the bowels of museums and universities. Now is the time to bring our people back to country.

Through an epic story spanning 250 years, writer John Harvey (Heart is a Wasteland) draws us in with untold perspectives of macabre true histories and false justifications. In a directorial debut, Jason Tamiru joins forces with our Artistic Director Matthew Lutton for this theatrical event that will give rise to how the repatriation of Ancestors can bring us closer to homecoming and healing.

Advice for schools

Contains some coarse language and one scene with nudity - an Indigenous woman appears topless for 3–4 minutes as written in the script. This action takes place in the context of recreating a culturally significant picture of an Indigenous woman holding a baby and traditional artefact.

VCE Theatre Studies Prompt Packs

Malthouse Theatre’s VCE playlisted shows are supported by our award-winning Prompt Packs:

Prompt Pack, Part A (preshow resource) available April 2022
Prompt Pack, Part B (post show resource) available May 2022

Post-show Q&A

All Schools Performances are followed by a Q&A session with the cast.

Revisit the Play

Revisit the Play is an on-demand digital workshop aimed at preparing students for the VCE Theatre Studies written examination. It is a chance for an extensive revision of the production, with a close analysis of archival footage and facilitated discussions about the play. Bookings can be made here and the resource will be available from 12 September 2022.

Further resources for teachers

To support teaching First Nations culture and concepts in the classroom, we will facilitate a free workshop for VCE Theatre Studies teachers booked into this production. Details to be announced soon.

Dates & Tickets

EDUCATION MATINEES

1pm Thursday 26 May, 1pm Thursday 2 June

PRICES

Metro schools / $49 (per student)
Regional & low-ICSEA schools / $35 (per student)
Accompanying teachers / Free (max. 2 per group)
Additional teachers / $59