What's On

Essence Theatre Productions and Ngā Mātai Pūrua Inc. proudly present

The Yellow Line
Directed and written by Alaine Beek and Berne-Lee (Nana) Edwards

Two worlds, one line.

A powerful true story, Essence Theatre Productions and Ngā Mātai Pūrua Inc. (NMP) bring audiences a gripping new work 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 inmates. 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?

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.

Running for three performances only at the newly refurbished Wyndham Cultural Centre in July, don’t miss the opportunity to experience a show that had audiences raving, with standing ovations after the premiere season.

One of the most enduring and successful independent theatre companies in Victoria, Essence Theatre Productions was founded by Alaine Beek and launched in 2003 with a focus on bringing Australian stories to life through performance. They are the resident theatre company at Werribee Park and have a strong collection of other original works that include The Dress, The Scrunch Test, Down to Earth, A Good Coffee, Jack and Millie, and their season of Point of No Return, which toured nationally to rave reviews. The company also works extensively with young adults through its Say It Out Loud Youth Drama Program.

Ngā Mātai Pūrua Inc. (NMP) is an independent, not-for-profit Māori incorporated association based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. They exist to uplift and advance Māori through Kapa Haka, education, cultural leadership, advocacy and community connection.

The production is proudly supported by the Malcolm Robertson Foundation, The Scanlon Foundation and the Wyndham City Council

Written by Alaine Beek and Berne-Lee (Nana) Edwards
Directed by Alaine Beek and Berne-Lee Edwards
Cultural Consultant: Berne-Lee Edwards
Performed by Kodie Heremia, Phil Cameron-Smith, Cam Venn, DJ Ahipene, Thisara Hewamanne, Elijah Logo, Wiremu Morris, Ross Daniels, and Bronwynne Adeang
Set Design by Filipe Filihia
Sound Design by Michael Withers
Lighting Design by Finnegan Comte-Harvey
Costumes by Berne-Lee Edwards
Haka Coach: Kodie Heremia and Wiremu Morris
Music Coach: Berne-Lee Edwards and Kodie Heremia
Stage Manager: John Jenkin
Promo Image by David Mullins
Graphic Design by Luke Jamieson
Publicity by Sassy Red PR

26 and 27 July
Sat 2pm and 7:30pm, Sun 5pm
Tickets: $50 Full, $38 Grps 6+, $33 and Mob Tix (+bf)
Bookings: www.essencetheatre.productions/the-yellow-line-1
Enquiries: 1300 156 557
Venue: Wyndham Cultural Centre - 177 Watton Street, Werribee, VIC 3030
www.essencetheatre.productions

Duration: 85 minutes no interval
Age suitability: 16+
Warnings: Strong coarse language, adult themes
Accessibility: The Wyndham Cultural Centre is a wheelchair-accessible venue. Please contact the venue directly with any other questions about accessibility on 1300 023 411 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.