To celebrate First Nations theatre company, Ilbijerri’s 30th anniversary of creating innovative works by First Nations artists, the theatre company is set to restage Heart is a Wasteland with it’s John Harvey script reinterpreted by director Rachael Maza.
The story follows Raye, an up-and-coming country music singer, as she plays in pubs across the Australian desert highways trying to make a living. It's on her journey that she meets Dan, and a love affair ensues over a four-day drive to Alice Springs.
“I’m incredibly excited to be working on Heart is a Wasteland because it’s one of those stories we never get to see on our stages," says Maza. "I have the privilege to sit in a room with our writer and creative team to come at it with fresh insight and get the work to where it needs to be. I love working with John Harvey too; his rich intelligence for telling a human story really comes lifting out of the script.”
The production features original music by Lydia Fairhall arranged by Gary Watling, matched with a set that perfectly recreates the vivid Australian outback.
In addition to the restaging of the play, Ilbijerri has also create a 200-page coffee table to commemorate its milestone, featuring 30 years worth of photos, interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from creatives who have been a part of its history.
Heart is a Wasteland will run from Thursday, August 25 to Saturday, August 27 at Fairfax Studio. Tickets can be purchased via the Arts Centre Melbourne website.