Avid Australian theatregoers know Ilbijerri Theatre Company pretty well as one of the country’s leading makers of Indigenous work. We’re probably not as familiar with Te Rēhia Theatre, one of New Zealand’s leading companies for Māori theatre.
But this new show, to be staged in Arts Centre Melbourne's event venue as part of Asia TOPA festival, is all about the coming together of First Nations cultures and communities, which is why the companies have teamed up. It follows the nuptials of Māori woman Hera and Aboriginal man Kane, who lock eyes at a cultural awareness session and fall deeply in love. That much is simple enough, but there’s a wild (and properly funny) clash of cultures as the two families come together for the celebration.
The cast is made up of Indigenous veterans and relative newcomers, including Jack Charles, Mark Coles Smith, Lisa Maza, Tuakoi Ohia and Brady Peeti. And you’ll really feel the party vibes at the Pavilion event centre, with the show’s soundtrack of black anthems and wedding reception classics.