The Shadow King

Malthouse Theatre and Melbourne Festival present

THE SHADOW KING

11-27 October

Epic and provocative, The Shadow King reworks Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy King Lear as a sprawling, blood-soaked tale of two Indigenous families in Australia’s north. Probing our

understanding of kinship and country, it weaves a parable that echoes our nation’s history.

Told through modern English, Kriol languages and a live rock score, this ambitious new production brings together some of Australia’s foremost Indigenous performers, including Tom E. Lewis (The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith) and Jimi Bani (Mabo), along with the music of Bart Willoughby (Yothu Yindi).

Working across cultures and generations, The Shadow King is an unmissable theatrical event of a scale and significance to match the land on which it’s made.

Directed by Michael Kantor

Music Consultant Iain Grandage

Music Director John Rodgers

Sound Design Kelly Ryall

Lighting Design Paul Jackson

Set Design Paul Jackson, Michael Kantor & David Miller

Props & Costume Design Ruby Langton-Batty

Dramaturg Marion Potts

Film Natasha Gadd, Rhys Graham & Murray Lui

Cast Jada Alberts, Jimi Bani, Frances Djulibing, Rarriwuy Hick, Damion Hunter, Kamahi Djordon King, Tom E Lewis, Natasha Wanganeen

Band Selwyn Burns, Jida Gulpilil, Bart Willoughby

Video by Daybreak Films

Presented in association with Sydney Festival, Perth International Arts Festival, Adelaide Festival & Brisbane Festival