The Visitors

“I do not doubt that The Visitors will take its place alongside Stolen as a touchstone of Australian theatre.”

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 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 production 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. 

Co-produced by Moogahlin Performing Arts and Sydney Theatre Company, The Visitors is at once a riveting, deeply researched insight into one of the most impactful and painful days in Australia’s history, and a hugely entertaining study of how communities respond to change and the unknown.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Moogahlin (muu-garl-in) is a yuin/bundjalung word meaning to play, to fool about.

Moogahlin was formed in November 2007 by a group of First Peoples artists, educators, and community workers at the request of the late Kevin Smith and in honour of the founding members of the national black theatre. We are based on Gadigal land in Redfern, Sydney, and Ngemba land in Brewarrina, far-west NSW.

 Moogahlin’s vision is transformation through cultural arts. The company exists to:

• Develop and produce distinctive cross-cultural and interdisciplinary new performance work by First Peoples for First Peoples.
• Support emerging and established First Peoples practitioners to develop, create and produce innovative and stimulating work.
• Empower our communities through audience engagement and community development.
• Provide sector leadership by fostering new talent in key creative, administrative, and production roles.