Essence Theatre Productions (ETP) and Ngā Mātai Pūrua Inc. (NMP) proudly 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 separating 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?’
Co-written by Berne-Lee ‘Nana’ Edwards, Alaine Beek and the ensemble cast – which includes first-time performers with lived experience – The Yellow Line delivers visceral honesty, unforgettable performances, and deep emotional truth.
“Even though the focus is Māori culture, all cultures will deeply connect with this play”, adds co-writer/co-director Alaine Beek.
“It’s based on a specific true story and audiences will be immersed into the Māori culture in a thought-provoking way. Each character is based on a real person and although dealing with a very significant topic, so much comedy shines through in the production.”
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, delving into the system and its impact within these communities. It shines a crucial spotlight on the human stories often buried behind headlines – particularly for communities disproportionately impacted by incarceration in Australia.
“The experiences that shaped The Yellow Line come from a part of my life I never expected to revisit – let alone reimagine for the stage,” said NMP president Tyson Tuala.
“This show is not about me. It’s about all the people – seen and unseen – who carry their culture with them into places that were never built for it. It’s about Māori and Pasifika men behind bars and the power of Wairua, haka, and music to reach through concrete and steel.”
The Yellow Line will run for three performances only at the newly refurbished Wyndham Cultural Centre on July on 26 and 27. To book go to www.essencetheatre.productions/the-yellow-line-1
