They Saw a Thylacine Program

they saw a thylacine

15 sep – 4 oct

Malthouse Theatre presents

they saw a thylacine Chapter Three: ritual // extinction *** Beckett Theatre By / HUMAN ANIMAL EXCHANGE Created & Performed by / Justine Campbell & Sarah Hamilton Artistic Collaborator / Matthew Lutton Set & Lighting Design / Matthew Adey – House of Vnholy Sound Design / Jethro Woodward Costume Design / Chloe Greaves Stage Manager / Lisa Osborn

A co-production with Performing Lines & HUMAN ANIMAL EXCHANGE

Malthouse Theatre would like to acknowledge the people of the Kulin nation on whose land this work is being presented.

A note from the creators

Growing up in Tasmania, tales of the thylacine abounded.

The regaling of grandpa’s encounter with a Tassie tiger was imbued with mystery and a sense of great importance.

We went on many camping trips deep into the heart of ‘tiger territory’ in the hope of catching a glimpse of this elusive creature. Although the image of the thylacine is central to Tasmania’s identity (it’s even on the beer labels), it was once considered unevolved and a ferocious pest.

The stories we have written are based on truth. We thank those who have so generously shared their tales and insights.

Beatie’s account is based on a collection of anecdotes and documented histories.

The events surrounding Alison Reid and the last thylacine at Beaumaris Zoo are a truthful and tragic lesson. Both women endured chauvinism that affected not only themselves,

but also the thylacines they encountered.

The extinction of the thylacine was a result of a number of factors: its Indigenous status rendered it second-class; it became the scapegoat as a result of mismanagement of land and livestock and with a name like ‘tiger’, it’s not surprising that the media embellished its savagery.

These factors, combined with denial and indifference, resulted in the gradual annihilation of the species.

Too little was done, too late.

We humans are an adaptable species. It can lead to our victory, or our downfall.

Our ability to shift the baseline of what is normal means that we can so easily forget the lessons of the past. That being said, we hope you enjoy our play.

Justine and Sarah / Creators

Cover Photography /

Andrew Gough

Cover Treatment /

The Sisters Hayes

reheArsal Images /

Pia Johnson