The Yellow Line | Australian Arts Review

A powerful true story, Essence Theatre Productions (ETP) and Ngā Mātai Pūrua Inc. (NMP) bring audiences a gripping new work, The Yellow Line – 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 in mates.

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.”

Directors: Alaine Beek, Berne-Lee Edwards | Featuring: Kodie Heremia, Phil Cameron-Smith, Cam Venn, DJ Ahipene, Thisara Hewamanne, Elijah Logo, Wiremu Morris, Ross Daniels, Bronwynne Adeang | Cultural Consultant: Berne-Lee Edwards | Set Design: Filipe Filihia | Sound Design: Michael Withers | Lighting Design: Finnegan Comte-Harvey | Costumes: Berne-Lee Edwards | Haka Coaches: Kodie Heremia, Wiremu Morris | Music Coaches: Berne-Lee Edwards, Kodie Heremia | Stage Manager: John Jenkin | Writers: Alaine Beek, Berne-Lee (Nana) Edwards