The 7 Stages of Grieving is a vibrant, funny and insightful account of what it means to be an Aboriginal woman in contemporary Australia. On its premiere in 1995, it became an early triumph for Deborah Mailman and Wesley Enoch, and a beloved classic of Australian theatre. Twenty-five years later, in an updated and vivid new production, it’s as urgent and vital as ever.

A woman stands alone on stage. Over one gripping hour, she traces seven phases of Aboriginal history – Dreaming, Invasion, Genocide, Protection, Assimilation, Self-Determination, and Reconciliation. Mailman and Enoch’s script is a potent expression of resilience and survival, as well as humour, joy and strength. It’s an ode to the power of storytelling.

Making her directorial debut is Shari Sebbens, Sydney Theatre Company’s current Richard Wherrett fellow, with Helpmann Award-winner Elaine Crombie (Barbara and the Camp Dogs) tackling this performance tour de force with customary vivacity.

The 7 Stages of Grieving’s generosity of spirit is set to be embraced by a whole new generation.

“Oi! Yeh, you with the hat! You can’t park here, eh! You’re taking up the whole bloody harbour! Just get in your boat and go!”