WITTENOOM - by Mary-Anne Butler
Mudlark Theatre presents Wittenoom
Wittenoom, written by Mary Ann Butler, is a powerful play developed through the Red Stitch INK program. It will be presented by three of Northern Tasmania’s leading arts organisations: Mudlark Theatre, IO Performance, and Theatre North. These companies are key contributors to the cultural life of Lutruwita/Tasmania. Wittenoom marks their first major collaboration and will be one of the final professional productions staged at the Earl ArtsCentre before its significant redevelopment.
A deeply regional Australian story with an operatic heartbeat, Wittenoom is a brutal and poetic work filled with humour and humanity. It follows Dot, who lived in Wittenoom, a blue asbestos mining town in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Initially drawn by the promise of a better life, the breathtaking landscapes and a strong sense of community offered them hope. But their dreams were shattered by the devastating truth: their town was built on a deadly lie.
Wittenoom resonates with a uniquely Tasmanian perspective—touching on themes of tight- knit communities and the emotional toll of industrial collapse in regional towns. It is a story that speaks directly to Launceston audiences, grounded in shared experiences of resilience and loss.
Running alongside the production is a significant mentoring and community engagement program aimed at building capacity for local emerging artists and arts workers. It also ensures broader community access to theatre through inclusive and meaningful engagement.
Employment of local artists is a Mudlark strategic priority. A collective of Launceston’s professional artists will be provided a rare local employment opportunity by the Wittenoom team. Where necessary for specific roles, we may contract additional artists from other Tasmanian regions, promoting inter-regional collaboration and broader industry networking.
We know from previous experience that this cross-regional collaboration promotes cultural vibrancy within the City of Launceston area. Local young and emerging artists will participate throughout all stages of the project, embedding mentorship opportunities and industry pathways for artists.
Patron Advice: This production contains coarse language.
Recommended for ages 13 +
Show Run Time: 70 minutes, no interval
Event Date and Times: Earl Arts Centre
Thursday 23 Oct: 7.30pm
Friday 24 Oct: 11am school matinee
Friday 24 Oct: 7.30pm
Saturday 25 Oct: 2pm
Saturday 25 Oct: 7.30pm
Sunday 26 Oct: 2pm
