It was a privilege to attend the world premiere of Black Light at Malthouse Theatre, written and directed by Jada Alberts, and an absolute honour to receive the wisdom and culture so generously offered through Alberts’ work and lineage.
Dale Ferguson’s set immediately grounds us in a familiar outdoor setting beneath a shelter, illuminated by a single fluorescent light and a blue mozzie light above a fridge in a kitchen–tea station, cleverly peeping in from the side of the stage; set against serene rocky country by the water. This landscape is brought vividly to life through Kelly Ryall’s ocean sounds, crickets and a sprinkle of sand across the pavers, all underscored by Jenny Hector’s stark, powerful lighting sequences.. shifting the world from impressive campfire to catastrophe.
A beautifully fierce Tahlee Fereday commands the entire auditorium even as she moseys across the stage with nonchalant charm. The sweetest opening song vibrationally aligns the audience as the perfectly, cast multi-generational characters emerge. What initially feels like a family simply chilling in each other’s presence, sharing side-eyes beneath the stars, soon reveals deeper currents.
Taking turns, we come to know the spirited aunts performed by Lisa Maza & Rachael Maza who delicately unravel sacrifices, family politics and mentally/physically escaping under the weight of caring for vulnerable family; Trisha Morton-Thomas portrays the most endearing Nan whose cheeky memories and in-jokes have the audience chuckling, gently reminding us to read the sky and listen to what nature says; emphasising the wisdom of presence and the magic of country.
This work sits beside despair, sensitively unfolding inter-generational trauma, violence against women and the shock of grief when a life; especially a mother’s, is unexpectedly extinguished.
Sibling rivalry crackles with profanity and judgment before softening into kindness as understanding grows. In a full-circle moment, scores are settled, hearts crack open and we cry along, realising response, ability and the threads that connect us all, a living tapestry woven by matriarchs.
Hilarious, full of love and quietly urgent, Black Light shines on our responsibility beyond our stories and constructs: to notice the gift of presence in nature, to notice the air & visiting wildlife, to contemplate the moments that define us at sunrise and sunset. It’s a brilliant experiment, wholeheartedly received in reverence and gratitude.
