A powerful true story, Essence Theatre Productions (ETP) and Ngā Mātai Pūrua Inc. (NMP) proudly bring audiences a gripping new work inspired by events at Port Phillip Prison, now set to close in 2025 amid major prison reforms.
Based on NMP President Tyson Tuala’s real-life experience, at the heart of The Yellow Line stands Jordan – a young Pasifika guard tasked with teaching Haka to a bunch of disconnected and disinterested prison inmates. As Jordan walks the metaphorical (and literal) yellow line that separates guard from prisoner, this compelling new Australian work asks; What does redemption look like when you carry the weight of culture, identity, and justice on your shoulders?
Co-Written by Berne-Lee “Nana” Edwards (NMP), Alaine Beek (ETP) and the ensemble cast – which includes first-time performers with lived experience – The Yellow Line delivers visceral honesty, unforgettable performances, and deep emotional truth.
“Even though the focus is Māori culture, all cultures will deeply connect with this play”, adds co-Writer/co-Director Alaine Beek. “It’s based on a specific true story and audiences will be immersed into the Māori culture in a thought-provoking way. Each character is based on a real person and although dealing with a very significant topic, so much comedy shines through in the production.”
A story of humour, vulnerability, and connection, The Yellow Line also shares important insight into the Victorian justice system through a Māori and Pasifika Lens, delving into the system and its impact within these communities. It shines a crucial spotlight on the human stories often buried behind headlines – particularly for communities disproportionately impacted by incarceration in Australia.
“I never set out to make a play,” explains NMP President Tyson Tuala.
“The experiences that shaped The Yellow Line come from a part of my life I never expected to revisit – let alone reimagine for the stage. This show is not about me. It’s about all the people – seen and unseen – who carry their culture with them into places that were never built for it. It’s about Māori and Pasifika men behind bars and the power of Wairua, haka, and music to reach through concrete and steel. It’s about the challenge of holding your values in systems that ask you to leave them at the gate.”
Running for three performances only at the newly refurbished Wyndham Cultural Centre in July, don’t miss the opportunity to experience a show that had audiences raving after the premiere season with standing ovations and people rushing to give feedback.
One of the most enduring and successful independent theatre companies in Victoria, Essence Theatre Productions was founded by Alaine Beek and launched in 2003 with a focus on bringing Australian stories to life through performance. They are the resident theatre company at Werribee Park and have a strong collection of other original works that include The Dress, The Scrunch Test, Down to Earth, A Good Coffee, Jack and Millie, and their season of Point of No Return, which toured nationally to rave reviews. The company also works extensively with young adults through its Say It Out Loud Youth Drama Program.
Ngā Mātai Pūrua Inc. (NMP) is an independent, not-for-profit Māori incorporated association based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. They exist to uplift and advance Māori through Kapa Haka, education, cultural leadership, advocacy and community connection.
July 26 – 27
