Mathinna has become the archetype of the ‘stolen child’ and, in this work, Bangarra recreates her powerful story of vulnerability and searching in an era of confusion and intolerance.

"Mathinna is about a young girl innocently absorbing an unforgiving world around her, all the while reflecting on the truth of her own people's journey. I wanted to capture on stage her ancestral spirit that I believe guided her and her people throughout this journey." - Stephen Page, 2008

This production features the First Nations language West Coast language and palawa kani (Tasmania).

Sections of Mathinna

Father
Mutton Bird
People
First Contact
Capture
Exile 1
Adoption
Nursery
Dream
The Ball
Deserted
Orphan
Exile 2
Mutton Bird reprise
Convicts
Moonshine
Drowning

Duration: 70 minutes

Mathinna premiered in 2008.