Blending the world of Māori gods and palawa spirits, Hide the Dog reveals the hidden world of spirituality that accompanies First Nations peoples in lutruwita/Tasmania and Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Co-writers Nathan Maynard (trawlwoolway pakana) and Jamie McCaskill (Māori) send their young adventurers on a mythic quest in Hide the Dog, a heartwarming tale of the last Tasmanian Tiger and two intrepid friends who decide to protect him at all costs. Epic in scope, yet simple in its examination of friendship and feelings, it blends the freshness of a youthful adventure with the gravitas of spirituality and reverence for creator spirits and ancestors alike.

Presented by Yirra Yaakin in conjunction with Performing Lines TAS, the show celebrates both palawa and Maori cultures. It speaks deeply to both, celebrating their similarities and their differences equally.

(L-R) Najwa Adams Ebel, Tibian Wyles and Poroaki Merritt-McDonald in Hide the Dog. Photo © Pat Stevenson

Niarra (Najwa Adams Ebel) and Te Umuroa (Poroaki Merritt-McDonald) are the best of mates, playing together in the bush one last time before Te heads off to Aotearoa to learn his culture.

Ebel is effervescent as the bouncy and optimistic Niarra. Excited by everything, her...