Audiences will delight in a joyful celebration of adventure, friendship and the power of culture when Hide The Dog sails into Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse from 16 – 17 June.
Co-presented by RISING and Arts Centre Melbourne, this production marks the first ever Trans-Tasman collaboration between First Nations artists for a children’s work.
Co-written by Tasmanian playwright Nathan Maynard (pakana) and Aotearoa writer Jamie McCaskill (Maori), Hide The Dog is the magical and hilarious tale of besties Niarra and Te Umuroa, who are out playing in the bush.
It’s just another day in paradise for the two, until they glimpse what can only be the world’s last Tasmanian Tiger. Dodging hunters, Niarra and Te Umuroa set sail for Aotearoa to hide their new friend. But hunters aren’t the only ones on this Tiger’s tail. They’ll have to outwit Maori gods and palawa spirits to save their furry friend.
Hide The Dog is a richly realised tale bursting with nimble puppetry and colourful costumes that takes the audience on the friends’ adventure via stunning scenic projections and a spectacular set by Maori designer Jane Hakaraia.
West Australian director Isaac Drandic (Noongar) steers the ship in a true Trans-Tasman First Nations collaboration. The work celebrates the profound connections between the two cultures, sharing a boatload of all-ages fun along the journey.
“We are so excited to welcome Nathan Maynard back to Arts Centre Melbourne after his successful 2019 season of A Not So Traditional Story, which was part of our Families and Children’s Program,” says Mary Harvey – Creative Producer, Families and Children, Arts Centre Melbourne.
“Being the first Trans-Tasman First Nations work for children, there has been much anticipation for this cross-cultural collaboration between Nathan Maynard and Jamie McCaskill.”
“Over the past few years Hide The Dog has undergone much development and planning in the face of the pandemic, lockdowns and postponements, and we are thrilled to finally be partnering with RISING to present this long-awaited family show as part of their 2023 festival and Arts Centre Melbourne’s Families and Children’s program.
“We are looking forward to welcoming community, schools, families and young people to witness this adventurous new important palawa and Maori work,” said Ms Harvey.
The Performing Lines TAS production ventures to Arts Centre Melbourne for RISING following premiere seasons at Sydney Festival, Perth Festival and Ten Days on the Island.
“Hide The Dog is an unexpected coming-of-age story, a reminder to stay in touch with one’s culture and to listen to others.” – Limelight
Director: Isaac Drandic (Noongar) | Featuring: Tyler Wilson Kokiri (Maori), Najwa Adams Ebel (Birri-Gubba), Poroaki Merritt-McDonald (Maori), Lisa Maza (Mer/ Yidinji/ Dutch), Glory T Daniell (Indjalandji-Dhidhanu/ Alyewarre) | Assistant Director and pakana Cultural Advisor: Nathan Maynard (pakana) | Set Designer: Jane Hakaraia (Ngati Raukawa ki te Tonga) | Sound Designer: Maaka McGregor (Maori) | Lighting Designer: Ben Hughes | AV Designer: Keith Deverell | Costume Designer: Sabio Evans | Co-Writers: Nathan Maynard (trawlwoolway pakana) & Jamie McCaskill (Ngati Tamatera, Te Ati Haunui a Paparangi, Nga Puhi)
Hide The Dog
Playhouse – Arts Centre Melbourne, St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Performances: 16 – 17 June 2023
Information and Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
Image: Hide The Dog – photo by Pat Stevenson