It’s 1853 on the Murray River. Swan Hill (Victoria), Wamba Wamba country. As the wildlife flees through the bush from an unseen threat, three Wamba Wamba warriors – Wirramanda, Warru and Dindi – must survive a cat-and-mouse chase across country to warn their people of the oncoming colonialists. Led by a volatile captain, the colonialists have their own internal power struggles to contend with.

After sold out seasons at the Castlemaine State Festival and Yirramboi Festival in 2021, Soul Of Possum makes its return to fortyfivedownstairs.

Playwright Brodie Murray (Wamba Wamba) draws on stories handed down from his grandfather and father to tell a historical thriller that explores the contrasting relationships settlers and Blak peoples have with Country, ecology, leadership and spirituality. Directed by Beng Oh and Balla Neba (movement director), with the original stellar cast.