OBSERVER: The Yellow Line
The Yellow Line (two worlds, one line) directed and co-written by Alaine Beek and Berne-Lee (Nana) Edwards will be presented on July 26 and 27 at the Wyndham Cultural Centre, Werribee.
Described as ‘a powerful true story’, and inspired by events at Port Phillip Prison, now set to close in 2025 amid major prison reforms, The Yellow Line is presented by Essence Theatre Productions and Nga Matai Purua Inc.
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 that separates 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?
The Yellow Line is said to deliver visceral honesty, unforgettable performances, and deep emotional truth, and features an ensemble cast which includes first-time performers with lived experience
“Even though the focus is Maori culture, all cultures will deeply connect with this play”, says co-writer/co-director Alaine Beek.
“It’s based on a specific true story and audiences will be immersed into the Maori 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 Maori 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.
“I never set out to make a play,” explains Tuala. “The experiences that shaped The Yellow Line come from a part of my life I for the stage. 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 Maori and Pasifika men behind bars and the power of Wairua, haka, and music to reach through concrete and steel. It’s about the challenge of holding your values in systems that ask you to leave them at the gate.”
Performed by Kodie Heremia, Phil Cameron-Smith, Cam Venn, DJ Ahipene, Thisara Hewamanne, Elijah Logo, Wiremu Morris, Ross Daniel and Bronwynne Adeang.
Performance Season: July 26 and 27
Times: Sat. 2pm and 7.30pm, Sun. 5pm
Tickets: $50 Full, $38 Grps 6+, $33 and Mob Tix (+bf)
Bookings: essencetheatre.productions/the-yellow-line-1
Venue: Wyndham Cultural Centre – 177 Watton St, Werribee
Cheryl Threadgold
Pictured: Kodie Heremia in The Yellow Line.
Photo: David Mullins