Eva Grace Mullaley is a Widi woman from the Yamatji Nation in the Midwest Region of Western Australia. She graduated from the Certificate IV in Aboriginal Theatre Course at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 2003.

In her 20+ year career, Eva has worn many hats in the theatre industry including Artistic Director for Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company 2019-2023, Director, Administration, Artistic Associate, Stage Manager, Tour Manager – internationally and nationally, Producer, Event Manager, Actor, Dramaturg, Lecturer in Character and Script Analysis (WAAPA), Collaborating Director, Workshops Coordinator and many more.

Stupid fucking bird
A great story wrapped in enigmas
I just love saying the title
And hearing the snickers

If the title of the show is good
And you have the same vernacular
For you this deep and nuanced story
Is going to resonate and be spectacular

The twists and the turns
Are delicately laid out
It has us questioning
Why? And what is this all about?

While art has a purpose
To put a mirror on the world
In this play it is theatre itself
Who’s reflection is unfurled

We’ve unwrapped the nuance
And laid out “so much feeling”
To expose this tricky industry
That has actors and artists reeling

Success, love, lust, vanity and artistry
Are all on the menu
A big shout out to NIDA
for the opportunity and venue

To all the mentors, departments and directors
Thank you for your grace
The team and I will always remember
How we were welcomed and held in this space

For a West Australian, Indigenous, female director
To be asked to lead this awesome show
Is a step in all the right directions
Showing the industry how to grow

To tell this important story
With such a wonderful team
And to work with such talent
About to emerge into ‘the dream’

Is nothing short of a privilege
And an honour me to behold
And I believe Australia has been waiting
For this story to be re-told

To our amazing playwright, Aaron Posner
Thank you for taking us on this ride
You will be a part of our psyche forever
We hope you look on with pride

It’s detailed and intellectual
And has so much to say
But now let’s get on with showing you
And ‘start the fucking play

– Eva Grace Mullaley, Independent Artist, Director, Dramaturg and Writer

Please be advised, this production includes mature themes and language, suicidal ideation, reference to child loss, as well as loud noises including gunshots.