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.
VCE Theatre Studies Prompt Packs
Malthouse Theatre’s VCE playlisted shows are supported by our award-winning Prompt Packs:
PART A
The Return Prompt Pack (Part A)—VCE Theatre Studies (Singles)
The Return Prompt Pack (Part A)—VCE Theatre Studies (Spreads)
PART B
The Return Prompt Pack (Part B)—VCE Theatre Studies (Singles)
The Return Prompt Pack (Part B)—VCE Theatre Studies (Spreads)
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
The Return is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria. A Malthouse Theatre and RISING co-commission.
PRESENTED WITH THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF / Simone Lourey, Lorraine & John Bates, Pinky Watson, Bardas Foundation, Canny Quine Foundation, DARA Foundation
Image: Zan Wimberley
BY / | John Harvey |
DIRECTION / | Jason Tamiru & Matthew Lutton |
DRAMATURG / | Mark Pritchard |
CAST / | To Be Announced |
SET DESIGN / | Zoë Atkinson |
COSTUME DESIGN / | Zoe Rouse |
LIGHTING DESIGN / | Paul Jackson |
SOUND DESIGN / | Jethro Woodward |
DESIGN CONSULTANT (SET) / | Chloe Ogilvie |
STAGE MANAGER / | Lyndie Li Wan Po |
Event & ticketing details
Accessibility
Location
Merlyn Theatre
The Malthouse, 113 Sturt St, Southbank 3006
Get directionsTrain
Any train to Flinders Street, then a 12-minute stroll through Melbourne’s sparkling Arts Precinct.Tram
The No. 1 South Melbourne tram goes right past our door. Get off at Stop 18. Any tram down St Kilda Road—jump off at Grant Street, Stop 17 and take a 3-minute walk.