Black Ties

Following sold out seasons at Sydney Festival and Perth Festival, the highly acclaimed Black Ties will make its Victorian premiere at Arts Centre Melbourne as part of the 2020 Asia TOPA Festival this February.

Two families, two cultures… too much! It was love at first sight when Maori corporate hotshot Hera and Aboriginal consultancy entrepreneur Kane locked eyes at a cultural awareness session. Ambitious and career focused, Kane and Hera now have their perfect future all mapped out. There’s one thing they can’t control… their families!

As the biggest mob of Aunties, Uncles and cousins from both sides of the ditch get worked up for the blackest wedding ever, reality is sinking in fast. Will this international love story bring two strong cultures together? Or will it tear Hera and Kane’s world to pieces?

Black Ties is a hilarious and heart-warming immersive theatre experience by ILBIJERRI Theatre Company (Australia) and Te Rehia Theatre (Aotearoa/New Zealand) that reminds us of the power of love to reach across the gulfs that divide us and unite us as human beings. This groundbreaking collaboration between major First Nations performing arts companies is set to showcase the rich talents of a wide array of theatrical artists.

With a peerless cast including Uncle Jack Charles, Mark Coles Smith, Lisa Maza, Tuakoi Ohia and Brady Peeti, and created by a crack team of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Maori theatre makers, Black Ties reimagines the popular wedding rom-com from a distinctively First Nations perspective.

Set to a live score of Black anthems and wedding classics, this will be one party to remember!

Directors: Rachael Maza and Tainui Tukiwaho Featuring: Uncle Jack Charles, Mark Coles Smith, Lana Garland, Tawhirangi Macpherson, Lisa Maza, Tuakoi Ohia, Brady Peeti, Tainui Tukiwaho, Dalara Williams, Dion Williams, Mayella Dewis, Laughton Kora Composer and Musical Director: Brendon Boney Set Designer: Jacob Nash Lighting Designer: Jane Hakaraia AV Designer: James Henry Sound Designer: Laughton Kora Costume Designer: Te Ura Hoskins Writers: John Harvey and Tainui Tukiwaho