“John Harvey’s play Heart is a Wasteland is a testament to the healing power of falling in love. It is a delightful romantic comedy grounded in a rich contemporary indigenous context.” Stage Whispers
Dates 17 October – 1 November
Venue Main Auditorium, Subiaco Arts Centre | 180 Hamersley Road Subiaco, 6008 (view on Google Maps) (view on Apple Maps)
Duration Approx. 75 min (no interval)
Content warning: Strong language, Sexual references, Family and Domestic Violence (FDV)
Age Recommendation 15+
Cast and Creatives
Directors Maitland Schnaars (Nyaki – Nyaki)
Co-Director Bobbi Henry (Whadjuk Noongar)
Writer John Harvey (Saibai Island)
Songwriter Lydia Fairhall (Worimi)
Designer Eilish Campbell
Lighting Designer Lucy Birkinshaw
Composer & Sound Designer Rachael Dease
Projection Designer Mia Holton
Movement Director Jacob Lehrer
Intimacy Choreographer Molly Tipping
Singing Coach Charley Caruso
Stage Manager Kira Feeney
Assistant Stage Manager Emma Stirling
Cast Claire Fermo (Wilman Noongar) and Maitland Schnaars (Nyaki-Nyaki)
Synopsis
Storytelling and original music combine in a cross-country love story
Raye is a country-music star in the making, playing in one back-water pub after another along Australia’s vast desert highways. Trying to make a living in the hope of returning home to her young son Elvis, her lyrics blaze through the landscapes of love and longing.
A chance meeting and Raye’s life becomes entwined with that of another wanderer, Dan, a carefree miner disconnected from community. A turbulent love affair unfurls over the four-day drive to Alice Springs.
John Harvey’s humorous and deeply heartfelt story examines the complexities of Aboriginal people living in contemporary Australia. A soul warming battle of egos and recognising everyone’s worthiness of, and right to, love.
Heart Is a Wasteland was originally produced by Malthouse Theatre with Brown Cabs premiering at Beckett Theatre on June 29, 2017. The script development was supported by Footscray Community Arts Centre and the Malcolm Robertson Foundation.
Support Us!
We rely on you, our community, for our future creative and cultural programs. Your donations, encouragement and friendship provide vital support for the ongoing development of our artists and our work. Help us share Aboriginal stories by becoming a donor today!
Join our mailing list
Contact Us
Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company