The Return
*This is an archived Season 2020 event. Book tickets to Season 2022's production of The Return here.*
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 immersive theatrical event that will give rise to how the repatriation of Ancestors can bring us closer to homecoming and healing.
NOTE / This is an immersive work. Seating will be available for individuals with access requirements or reduced mobility.
PRODUCTION PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS
The Return is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria. A Malthouse Theatre and Melbourne International Arts Festival co-commission. PRESENTED WITH THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF / Simone Lourey, Lorraine & John Bates, Pinky Watson, Bardas Foundation, Canny Quine Foundation, DARA Foundation
Key Image: Zan Wimberley
Partners
| BY / | John Harvey |
| DIRECTION / | Jason Tamiru and Matthew Lutton |
| CAST / | To Be Announced |
| SET & COSTUME DESIGN / | Zoë Atkinson with Chloe Ogilvie |
| LIGHTING DESIGN / | Paul Jackson |
| SOUND DESIGN / | J. David Franzke |
| COMPOSITION / | Mark Coles Smith |
| DRAMATURGY / | Mark Pritchard |
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.Event notes
WARNINGS /
This is a new work. It may contain strong violence, blood and gore, coarse language, and very loud noise. Check back closer to the event for further details.
