Exciting new kids on the block The Flemington Theatre Group present Black Face/White Mask: A play about Afro-Australian identity.

Black Face/White Mask is a fast-paced and confronting play by a new theatre company – The Flemington Theatre Group – who are predominantly from Horn of Africa backgrounds. Directed by Dave Kelman and Cuong Nguyen, it showcases a unique new cultural voice from Melbourne’s inner West.

“The play focuses on the lives of eight young people and explores what it means to them to be Afro-Australian as they confront casual racism and family tensions. It is fast, funny and in your face but it also explores identity and race at a sophisticated level and avoids platitudes and easy answers” says director Dave Kelman.

The play explores the complexity of contemporary society from an Afro-Australian perspective, examining issues of cultural identity and racism in a direct, challenging manner that combines drama with sharp humour.

Co-writer and director Cuong Nguyen says:

“The play is also a comedy and it was very important to the cast that it had a strong comic strand running through it. Although it deals with serious ideas, it is fast and funny, including some great jokes about the soccer World Cup”.

The Flemington Theatre Group was fostered by Western Edge in 2009, and emerged out of long-term partnership with young artists in the Flemington area. They aim to break through the defensiveness and tension that characterises debates about racism and identity in Australia, creating a forum for frank community discussion.

As Flemington Theatre Group member Daniel Hail-Michael explained:

"We are part of a generation of "African Australians" whose burden it is to define or help shape what this term actually means. On the journey to creating this new identity the African Australian community has found itself trying to find a delicate balance. Working with Western Edge allows us as young African-Australians to be able to express emotion, culture, diversity and multiculturalism and to help other young people in our communities to do the same."

Western Edge Youth Arts is a non-profit organisation established to provide arts and performance experiences for culturally diverse and disadvantaged young people in Melbourne’s West. For more information contact Ryan Johnston on (02) 9091 4716 or 0402 807 528.

Head along to see Black Face/White Mask at Incinerator Arts Complex (180 Holmes Rd. Moonee Ponds) on Thursday July 8 & Friday July 9 at 7.30pm. Tickets are free so no excuses!

To book email or call (02) 9091 4716.