Repatriation is an issue at the heart of many cultural institutions, as museums and galleries reckon with the violent colonial histories that underpin significant portions of their collections.

Malthouse Theatre's production of The Return, premiering as part of RISING, engages with the importance of returning these items and remains back to Country. This epic immersive theatre experience spans 250 years and explores the untold perspectives of these macabre true histories and the false justifications behind them.

At this panel discussion, we’ll hear from The Return’s writer John Harvey and director Jason Tamiru, along with Senior curator Kimberley Moulton. They’ll consider the play’s themes, alongside Moulton’s insights into alternative models of collection and display that prioritise community access and situate these cultural belongings within a continuous flow of history. At the intersection of creative exploration and institutional knowledge, they’ll discuss how the repatriation of Ancestors can bring us closer to truth telling and First Peoples agency in museums.

SPEAKERS

JOHN HARVEY

John Harvey is a writer, director and producer of Saibai Island (Torres Strait) and English descent. He is the creative director of independent theatre + film company, Brown Cabs.

JASON TAMIRU

Jason Tamiru is a proud Yorta Yorta man passionate about his people and culture. He has worked with many of Melbourne’s most iconic performing arts companies, museums and festivals.

KIMBERLEY MOULTON

Kimberley Moulton is a Yorta-Yorta woman, RISING Artistic Associate and the Senior Curator of South Eastern Aboriginal Collections, Melbourne Museum. Kimberley has a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and is currently completing post-graduate studies at the University of Melbourne. Read our Q&A with Kimberley.

DANIEL JAMES

Daniel is an award-winning Yorta Yorta Melbourne based writer and broadcaster. He hosts the Mission on 3RRR and is the winner of the 2018 Horne Prize for his essay Ten More Days.