History of First Nations cricket soars into Orange

BOWLING into Orange Civic Theatre this month, a play inspired by the true story of First Nations cricketer Johnny Mullagh and Australia’s first international sporting team will soar its way into the hearts of audiences across the region.

Black Cockatoo hits the Orange Civic Theatre stage on April 28, providing an entertaining and insightful journey through this key, yet largely unknown moment in Australian sporting history.

Described as a story of “strength, resistance, hope and possibility”, the play tells the story of Johnny Mullagh, a Jadawadjali man from Western Victoria, and his unique experience representing Australia as a member of the first Australian International test cricket team to tour England in 1868. 

These 13 Aboriginal men from Western Victoria who embarked on a voyage to England 150 years ago, risked illness and persecution in their cricketing quest, but went on to amaze English spectators with “astonishing talent, personality and grit”.

They returned to Australia, not as celebrated heroes, but instead to a country that denied them the right to live on their own lands.

At once funny and incredibly moving, Black Cockatoo is a new artistic collaboration between iconic Australian writer Geoffrey Atherden (Mother and Son, Babakiueria) and Sydney Festival Artistic Director Wesley Enoch (Black Diggers). 

Mr Atherden said Black Cockatoo was an “important story”.

“It’s a great story and, I think, an important story, a part of the shared history between black and white Australia,” he said.

“It’s also about the truth; about which truth we choose to tell and why we make that choice.”

Black Cockatoo is now touring across the country.

Black Cockatoo will play 8pm at Orange Civic Theatre on April 28. Tickets at Ticketek or call 63938111.

For more information on Black Cockatoo visit www.ensemble.com.au/shows/black-cockatoo