Something powerful is stirring at the Bowery Theatre.
Essence Theatre Productions (ETP) and Ngā Mātai Pūrua (NMP) will stage the premiere of The Yellow Line, a bold play inspired by real events inside Port Phillip Prison and the strength of culture behind its walls. Running from May 29 to June 1, this new work shines a spotlight on the human stories often buried behind headlines, particularly for Māori and Pasifika communities disproportionately impacted by incarceration in Australia.
At the heart of the story is Jordan, a young Pasifika prison guard tasked with teaching haka to inmates. The role is based on NMP president Tyson Tuala’s real-life experience.
Tuala said as Jordan walks the metaphorical and literal yellow line that separates guard from prisoner, the audience is invited to ask: What does redemption look like when you carry the weight of culture, identity, and justice on your shoulders?
The Yellow Line is co-written by Berne-Lee Edwards (NMP), Alaine Beek (ETP) and an ensemble cast which includes first-time performers with lived experience.
“This isn’t just another prison show. It’s not just another Māori or Pasifika story. It’s a story of real strength – of what culture can do when systems fail us,” Tuala said.
Yellow Line will be performed on May 29 at 7pm, May 30 at 12.30pm and 7pm, May 31 at 7pm and June 1 at 2pm.
Tickets cost $50, $30 for concession card holders and students, $10 for First Nations and Indigenous people, or $38 per person when booking a group of four or more.
Details: creativebrimbank.com.au/the-yellow-line
