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An aboriginal man and women wearing a black suit with traditional face art.

The Visitors

11 September – 14 October 2023

In the Drama Theatre

Theatre

It’s January 1788 and a mysterious fleet is amassing in the harbour. Seven clan leaders must make a momentous decision: to send these strangers on their way or welcome them?

Visitors leave. Right?

On a sweltering day in January 1788, seven clan leaders gather on a sandstone escarpment overlooking the harbour. The attendees, six of them Elders and one a new initiate, catch-up, laugh together, share a meal, and compare notes. But beyond the friendly banter, protocols, and hospitality, a momentous decision is waiting to be made.

A mysterious fleet of giant nawi is amassing in the harbour and as they creep closer, these seven representatives must choose unanimously: whether to send these strangers on their way or welcome them?

After its Sydney Theatre Award-winning premiere at the 2020 Sydney Festival, Muruwari playwright Jane Harrison’s The Visitors will be reworked for this brand-new production directed by one of Australia’s most celebrated directors, Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch. An incredible cast featuring Tiwi and Arrernte actor Joseph Wunujaka Althouse; Wiradjuri actor Luke Carroll; Yankunytjatjara, Warrigmal and South Sea Islander actor Elaine Crombie; Noongar, Budmiya and Watjari actor Kyle Morrison,  Eastern Arrernte and Arabana actor Aaron Pedersen; Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay actor Beau Dean Riley Smith; Biripi actor Guy Simon, and Gumbaynggirr and Wiradjuri actor Dalara Williams, will bring to life this hugely entertaining study of how communities respond to change and the unknown.

Part of Sydney Opera House’s 50th anniversary program and co-produced by STC and Moogahlin Performing Arts, The Visitors is a riveting, deeply researched insight into one of the most impactful and painful days in Australia’s history.

Yarning Circle
On Monday evenings throughout the season, Moogahlin Performing Arts will host a post-show Yarning Circle in the Centre for Creativity from 7.45 - 9pm. Free and no bookings required.

Hosted by queer Goorie writer and community worker Brooke Scobie and joined by guest artists, the Yarning Circle is an informal space for audiences to reflect and connect with each other on the themes of colonisation, multigenerational trauma, language revitalisation, and the debate over our Country’s identity that The Visitors raises.

Presented by Sydney Theatre Company and Moogahlin Performing Arts

Watch the teaser

Proudly funded by

NSW Government
Australian Government Indigenous Languages and Arts

This production is proudly supported through the Australian Government's Indigenous Languages and Arts program and by the NSW Government through the Blockbusters Funding initiative. 

Artist Information

Writer 
Jane Harrison

Director
Wesley Enoch

Designer
Elizabeth Gadsby

Lighting Designer
Karen Norris

Composer & Sound Designer
Brendon Boney

Associate Director
Liza-Mare Syron

Cultural Liaison
Aunty Yvonne Simms

Associate Designer
Shana O’Brien

With
Joseph Wunujaka Althouse
Luke Carroll
Elaine Crombie
Kyle Morrison
Aaron Pedersen

Beau Dean Riley Smith
Guy Simon
Dalara Williams

Other information

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