Rachael and Lisa Maza, two well-known names in Australian theatre, have started working together again. It has been 17 years since they last shared a stage. Their new play, titled Black Light, is being held at the Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne. The sisters come from a family with deep roots in Indigenous storytelling. They are the daughters of the late Bob Maza, a man who helped start Indigenous theatre in Australia.
While both sisters have built successful separate careers in television and film, this project marks a rare moment of creative union. They have stated that their real-life bond helps them play their characters, even though the people they play on stage are different from themselves. This return is not just a performance but a continuation of a family legacy that has lasted for decades.
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A History of Performance and Family Legacy
The sisters were last seen together in the 2010 production of Sisters of Gelam. That play was a personal project they wrote and performed to explore their heritage after the death of their father.
"Like most siblings, they had their differences when they were growing up. Now the sisters have combined their talents… the story follows two sisters as they go on a journey to discover their heritage." — Deadly Vibe, 2010
The Maza family is central to the history of the Ilbijerri Theatre Company. Rachael Maza currently serves as its Artistic Director. In 2020, she was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her work in the performing arts. Lisa Maza has also maintained a steady career in theatre and music.
The 17-year gap between their joint performances highlights a shift from personal exploration in 2010 to a broader theatrical production in 2026.
Timeline of Major Career Milestones
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Sisters of Gelam | Written and performed by Rachael and Lisa at Malthouse Theatre. |
| 2015 | Artistic Leadership | Rachael Maza’s work with Ilbijerri Theatre Company is documented. |
| 2020 | National Recognition | Rachael Maza receives the Order of Australia (AM). |
| 2026 | Black Light | The sisters return to Malthouse Theatre for a new production. |
The Structure of "Black Light"
The new production, Black Light, is described by the performers as a show that "breaks all the rules." It focuses on relatable family roles, specifically characters referred to as "Aunty" and "Mum."
Universal Themes: Lisa Maza notes that the play uses themes that most people can understand.
Creative Dynamic: The sisters have used their time in rehearsals to look at how they work together in 2026 compared to their younger years.
Cultural Elements: The production includes contributions from other Indigenous artists, such as poet Maria van Neerven and musician Kankawa Nagarra.
Was the long break between shows a result of their busy individual schedules, or a choice to wait for the right story? The evidence shows that Rachael Maza has been highly active in television, appearing in shows like Wentworth, Fisk, and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Lisa Maza has also been involved in various music and performance roles.
Examining the Creative Bond
The sisters have pointed out that their shared history makes acting together easier. They do not have to work as hard to build a believable relationship on stage because they are sisters in real life.
The play is set at the Malthouse Theatre, the same place where they performed their 2010 show. This choice of venue suggests a return to a familiar creative home. While Sisters of Gelam was a story about searching for their father’s history, Black Light appears to focus on the roles of women within the family structure.
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"The characters are instantly relatable… so there’s very universal, accessible themes in there." — Lisa Maza, 2026 interview.
Expert Analysis
Industry records show that Rachael Maza is one of the most recognizable faces in Australian media. Her role as Artistic Director at Ilbijerri suggests she has a strong influence on which stories are told in Indigenous theatre. Experts in the field, such as those documenting her work at AustLit, note her "significant service to the performing arts."
The return of the Maza sisters is viewed by some as a significant event for the Melbourne theatre scene. It brings together two performers with a combined experience of over 30 years in film, television, and stage. The inclusion of poetry and language from other Indigenous creators suggests the show is part of a larger movement to keep Aboriginal culture at the center of Australian theatre.
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Findings and Next Steps
The evidence confirms that Rachael and Lisa Maza have ended a 17-year hiatus from performing together.
Professional Growth: Both women have achieved high levels of success independently since 2010, with Rachael receiving national honors.
Theatrical Shift: Their new work, Black Light, moves away from the biographical nature of their previous collaboration toward a more "rule-breaking" style of theatre.
Legacy Maintenance: By returning to the Malthouse Theatre, they continue the work started by their father, Bob Maza, ensuring the family's influence on the arts remains strong.
Future reviews of the play will likely determine if the "rule-breaking" elements mentioned by the sisters refer to the story's structure or the way it handles cultural topics. For now, the production stands as a documented reunion of two major figures in Australian performance.
Primary Sources
AOL / Sydney Morning Herald: Article on Maza sisters return - Context: Interview regarding the 2026 production of Black Light.
ABC Listen: Awaye Program Feb 2026 - Context: Audio interview and discussion of the creative dynamic in 2026.
Deadly Vibe: Sisters of Gelam Archive - Context: 2010 history of the sisters' previous work and their father’s legacy.
Ilbijerri Theatre Company: Production Credits - Context: Official list of staff and performers for their previous collaboration.
AustLit: Rachael Maza Biography - Context: Scholarly record of awards and career history.
RGM Management: Rachael Maza Credits - Context: Comprehensive list of film and television roles.
