Black Cockatoo

Over 150 years ago, 13 brave Aboriginal men in Western Victoria picked up their cricket bats and embarked on a treacherous voyage to England and into the unknown – all in the name of sport. Risking illness and persecution, Australia’s first international cricket team – including Australia's first Indigenous sporting hero, Johnny Mullagh – amazed the English crowds with astonishing talent, personality and grit. They should have returned to Australia as celebrated heroes. Instead they came back to find the world they once knew was no longer there.

When a group of young present-day activists sneak into the Wimmera Discovery Centre to expose the truth of what happened to Johnny and his team mates, a hidden legend of triumph and tragedy unfolds. Funny and incredibly moving, BLACK COCKATOO is a new artistic collaboration between iconic Australian writer Geoffrey Atherden (MOTHER AND SON, BABAKIUERIA) and former Sydney Festival Artistic Director Wesley Enoch (BLACK DIGGERS).

Don't miss Around the Grounds: A Conversation about ‘Black Cockatoo’, an online pre-show conversation event about the play with director Wesley Enoch AM.

Recommended age group: Ages 12+. Hero image by Christian Trinder.

"This amazing Australian story rings with authenticity, humour and quirky compassion"

Stage Noise

"A vibrant, fascinating and challenging production"

ArtsHub

"A wonderful balance of educating and entertaining... hard hitting honesty and delightful comedy"

Broadway World

Essential COVID information you should know before returning to Bunjil Place

Sign up to our mailing list and you'll be kept up to date on all the latest news and events happening at Bunjil Place.

For general ticketing and box office information (including conditions of sale) see our Ticketing services information page.

For accessibility bookings or other box office inquiries please email [email protected] or phone 03 9709 9700 between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm (Monday to Saturday).

Can't find the perfect present? Give them the gift of choice with a Bunjil Place Gift Voucher!