Black Ties

When Māori corporate hotshot Hera and Aboriginal consultancy entrepreneur Kane locked eyes at a Cultural Awareness session, it was love at first sight. Ambitious and career focused, Kane and Hera now have their perfect future all mapped out. But there is one thing they can’t control… their families!

As the biggest mob of Aunties, Uncles and cousins from both sides of the ditch get worked up for the biggest, brownest wedding ever, reality is sinking in. Fast. Will this international love story bring two strong cultures together? Or will it blow Hera and Kane’s world apart? Created by a bold and brilliant team of Māori, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, Black Ties is a hilarious and heart-warming immersive theatre experience where you’re the guest of honour on the big day.

With a live band pumping out all your party favourites and wedding classics, you’ll leave sure that the power of love can unite all people – for better or worse. Nau mai, piki mai, grab your bow tie!

Written by:
John Harvey and Tainui Tukiwaho

Directed by:
Rachael Maza and Tainui Tukiwaho

There is a free pre-show talk for this event on Thursday 5 March at 7pm, at Shed 6.

Black Ties was commissioned by AsiaTOPA, a joint initiative of the Sidney Myer Fund and Arts Centre Melbourne; and has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, managed by the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., Sydney Festival, Perth Festival, New Zealand Festival of the Arts, Auckland Festival, AsiaTOPA Festival and Brisbane Festival. Black Ties is also supported by Creative New Zealand. ILBIJERRI Theatre Company is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, and by Creative Victoria and City of Melbourne.

Partnered by: QMS

Thanks to Creative NZ and The Australian High Commission of New Zealand.