A powerful new work written and directed by renowned Larrakia, Yanyuwa, Bardi and Wardaman artist Jada Alberts, Malthouse Theatre presents the world premiere of Black Light in the Merlyn Theatre this February.
Stage and screen legends and real-life sisters Rachael Maza and Lisa Maza are set to perform together for the first time in 17 years, portraying on-stage sisters as part of a brilliant First Nations cast featuring Tahlee Fereday (SBS’ Triple Oh!; Malthouse’s Blackie Blackie Brown) and Trisha Morton-Thomas (Binge’s High Country; ABC’s Total Control).
Black Light is set in a family home on the outskirts of Darwin, where four Larrakia mothers find themselves bound together on the precipice of a drastically changing world. Nan has dementia and finds it difficult to make sense of things.
Recently separated from their wife, Bub is struggling to find stability and parent alone. Aunty and Mum are sisters and yet polar opposites. They nitpick at each other, barely able to conceal their disdain. There’s so much history between them all, so much water under the bridge, and none of it clean.
“I wrote Black Light as a way to honour my grandmothers, and great grandmothers. To reflect on the wisdom passed down to me, through my mother and her sisters too, all of whom helped to raise me. As a mother of three children myself, it’s become my responsibility to pass this wisdom on too,” said Writer and Director Jada Alberts.
“In writing this play, I wanted to create a space where the experience and legacy of Black motherhood could be seen, heard, and deeply felt and I’m so honoured to be witnessing and working with the immense talents of Trisha, Rachael, Lisa and Tahlee, in bringing this story to life. Black Light is, in essence, a love letter to every mother who came before me and I hope it’s a gift to those who come after.”
Jada Alberts (they/them) was born and raised on their mother’s Larrakia Country in Darwin, with family ties to the Yanyuwa, Bardi, and Wardaman peoples. As a writer and director, their work has made a significant impact across the Australian theatre and television landscape.
Jada’s acclaimed debut play, Brothers Wreck, premiered at Belvoir in 2014, earning a Sydney Theatre Award nomination for Best New Australian Work, and was later staged at Malthouse Theatre in 2018. Their extensive theatre credits include directing Title & Deed by Will Eno and the highly praised production of The 7 Stages of Grieving by Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman.
Jada’s television work includes co-writing and serving as an Associate Script Producer on the ABC TV series Cleverman, and writing for the new series of ABC’s Mystery Road Origin.
Black Light was commissioned by Malthouse Theatre and has been selected for the 2026 VCE Theatre Studies Playlist. Its premiere production will be realised by the superb creative team of Dale Ferguson (Set & Costume Design), Kelly Ryall (Composition & Sound Design) and Jenny Hector (Lighting Design).
Writer & Director: Jada Alberts | Featuring: Tahlee Fereday, Lisa Maza, Rachael Maza, Trisha Morton-Thomas | Set & Costume Designer: Dale Ferguson | Lighting Designer: Jenny Hector | Composer & Sound Designer: Kelly Ryall | Assistant Director: Tomas Parrish | Voice & Text Coach: Suzanne Heywood | Stage Manager: Jess Keepence | Assistant Stage Manager: Rosemary Osmond
Black Light
Merlyn Theatre – Malthouse Theatre, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank
Season: 18 February – 7 March 2026 (previews: 13 – 17 February)
Information and Bookings: www.malthousetheatre.com.au
Image: Rachael Maza and Lisa Maza – photo by Nicole Reed