The 7 Stages of Grieving

Written by Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman
Directed by Shari Sebbens
Presented by Sydney Theatre Company, 21 May - 19 June, 2021

Performed by Elaine Crombie

The set of The 7 Stages of Grieving was designed in consultation and collaboration with Megan Cope and is inspired by her RE FORMATION series of works.

”A testament to love, family and resilience.

The 7 Stages of Grieving is a vibrant 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.

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 strength and survival, as well as humour and joy. It’s an ode to the power of storytelling.

Resident Director Shari Sebbens makes her STC directorial debut with this moving and vital work. Helpmann Award-winner Elaine Crombie tackles this tour de force performance with her distinctive warmth and vivacity.

In an exciting update, brand new scenes have been added with Enoch and Mailman to offer a contemporary perspective on what has changed in the 26 years since the play first opened, and how far we still have to go.

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

Director Shari Sebbens
Designer Elizabeth Gadsby
Lighting & AV Designer Verity Hampson
Composer & Sound Designer Steve Francis
Assistant Director Ian Michael

Documentation photographs by Joseph Mayers.