A powerful new theatre production inspired by true events at Port Phillip Prison is coming to St Albans' Bowery Theatre this May.
The Yellow Line follows a Pasifika guard tasked with teaching haka to inmates in a maximum security prison, exploring themes of identity, justice and redemption through cultural connection.
This world premiere production arrives at a significant moment, with Port Phillip Prison set to close in 2025 amid major prison reforms across Victoria.
The Yellow Line
- Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans
- Thursday 29 May – Sunday 1 June (Evening and matinee performances)
- Tickets here
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The show is an original creation by Ngā Mātai Pūrua Inc. and Essence Theatre Productions, brought to life with support from The Malcolm Robertson Foundation, the Scanlon Foundation, and Wyndham City Council.
The gripping production poses a vital question at its core: can culture and connection break the cycle of incarceration? Through the lens of Pasifika cultural practice, The Yellow Line examines the transformative potential of cultural reconnection within Australia’s prison system.
With five performances across the four-day season, including evening shows at 7pm and matinees, the production runs for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The show carries content warnings for strong coarse language and adult themes, and is recommended for audiences aged 16 and over.
The collaboration between Melbourne-based theatre companies represents a significant addition to Melbourne’s diverse theatre landscape, particularly bringing Pasifika and Māori performing arts traditions to western suburban audiences.
For more information, head here.
