Black Cockatoo

Inspired by the true story of legendary First Nations cricketer Johnny Mullagh and Australia’s first ever international sporting team, this is not just about cricket. This is a story of strength, resistance, hope and possibility.

The Art House presents

An Ensemble Theatre Production

BLACK COCKATOO

By Geoffrey Atherden

Directed by Wesley Enoch

Over 150 years ago, 13 brave Aboriginal men in Western Victoria picked up their cricket bats and
embarked on a treacherous voyage to England and into the unknown – all in the name of sport. Risking
illness and persecution, Australia’s first international cricket team – including Australia's first Indigenous
sporting hero, Johnny Mullagh – amazed the English crowds with astonishing talent, personality and
grit. They should have returned to Australia as celebrated heroes. Instead they came back to find the
world they once knew was no longer there.

This is not just a story about cricket – this is story of strength, resistance, hope and possibility. When a
group of young present-day activists sneak into the Wimmera Discovery Centre to expose the truth of
what happened to Johnny and his team mates, a hidden legend of triumph and tragedy unfolds. Funny
and incredibly moving, BLACK COCKATOO is a new artistic collaboration between iconic Australian
writer Geoffrey Atherden (MOTHER AND SON, BABAKIUERIA) and former Sydney Festival Artistic
Director Wesley Enoch (BLACK DIGGERS).