After almost two decades of working on separate projects, sisters Rachael Maza and Lisa Maza have returned to the stage as a duo. Their new production, titled Black Light, opened in February 2026 at the Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne. This return marks a major moment for the Maza family, who are well-known in the Australian arts. The sisters last performed together in 2009. While they have both remained active in film, television, and theatre, this show represents a new way for them to work together. The production is described as one that ignores traditional theatre rules, focusing on family roles that many people will find familiar.
From Heritage to "Breaking Rules"
The sisters have a long history in the arts, following the path of their father, Bob Maza, a leader in Indigenous theatre. Their previous work together, Sisters of Gelam, was a personal story about their own lives and their father’s death. In contrast, their current work, Black Light, uses fictional characters to explore different ideas.
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2009 Collaboration: The play Sisters of Gelam focused on their journey to discover their heritage.
2026 Collaboration: Black Light features the sisters playing the roles of "Aunty" and "Mum."
Creative Growth: While their first show was about their own history, the new show aims for "universal" themes that many people can understand.
"Even though the sisters on stage are very different to the sisters playing them, they agree that their existing relationship makes things easier." — The Sydney Morning Herald
The sisters have moved from telling their own life stories to playing specific archetypes within a family setting.
Performance Comparison and Facts
The following table shows the differences between their last major project together and their current work in 2026.
| Feature | Sisters of Gelam (2009) | Black Light (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Malthouse Theatre | Malthouse Theatre |
| Main Focus | Family heritage and their father | "Breaking the rules" of theatre |
| Characters | Played versions of themselves | "Aunty" and "Mum" |
| Primary Theme | Discovery and grief | Accessibility and universal connection |
| Lead Writers | Rachael and Lisa Maza | Noted as a "striking new play" |
Investigation of Creative Differences
While the sisters are now working together again, they spent 17 years building separate careers. This long gap raises questions about how their styles have changed.
Separate Career Paths: Rachael Maza became the Artistic Director of the Ilbijerri Theatre Company and received an Order of Australia (AM) in 2020. Lisa Maza focused on singing, acting as an MC, and directing documentaries like Mazas Got Talent.
The Shift in Tone: Their 2009 work was highly autobiographical. The 2026 show is described as "striking" and "rule-breaking." This suggests a move away from standard storytelling toward a more experimental style.
Relatability: Lisa Maza noted that the new characters are "instantly relatable." This points to a goal of reaching a wider audience rather than just telling a specific family history.
Why did the sisters wait 17 years to perform together again despite both being active in the same city? It is possible that their high-level individual roles—specifically Rachael's leadership at Ilbijerri—required their full attention until now.
Professional Standing and Influence
Rachael Maza is a very recognizable figure in Australian media. Her work includes roles in well-known TV shows like Wentworth, Fisk, and Radiance. Her leadership at Ilbijerri Theatre Company has made her a central figure in Indigenous storytelling.
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Lisa Maza has balanced her time between performing and business governance. She has served on several boards and worked with Opera Australia. Her background in both media and singing brings a musical element to her performance style.
"The story follows two sisters as they go on a journey to discover their heritage… I hope people don’t get what they expect – I hope it’s better than that." — Lisa Maza (regarding their 2009 work)
Expert Viewpoints
The return of the Maza sisters is seen as a significant event for Melbourne's theatre scene. Observers note the following:
Shared Language: Because they are sisters, they have a "creative dynamic" that allows them to rehearse and perform with a level of trust that other actors might not have.
Cultural Impact: As daughters of Bob Maza, their work carries the weight of a long legacy in Indigenous theatre. Their return to the Malthouse Theatre—a place they have performed at before—is a full-circle moment.
Experimental Style: The claim that the show "breaks all the rules" suggests that the sisters are using their veteran status to try new things that younger performers might find risky.
Conclusion of Investigation
The evidence shows that Rachael and Lisa Maza have successfully transitioned from being "the daughters of a legend" to becoming legends in their own right. Their 17-year break from working together appears to have allowed them to develop different skills—Rachael in direction and Lisa in music and film—which they are now combining in Black Light.
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The move from the personal themes of Sisters of Gelam to the "universal" themes of their new show indicates a desire to speak to a broader audience. While they are playing characters unlike themselves, their real-life bond is used as a tool to make the performance more natural.
Next Steps for the Arts Community:
Observers will likely look to see if this performance leads to more frequent collaborations between the sisters.
The success of Black Light may influence how "rule-breaking" Indigenous theatre is funded and presented in major venues like the Malthouse.
Primary Sources
The Sydney Morning Herald: After 17 years, the Maza sisters return to the stage - Details on the 2026 return and character descriptions.
ABC Listen: The Maza sisters return to the stage for Black Light - Information on the rehearsal process and 2026 timeline.
Deadly Vibe: Rachael and Lisa Maza - Sister Act - Background on the 2009 show and their father.
RGM Entertainment: Rachael Maza Profile - Comprehensive list of Rachael's acting credits.
Ilbijerri Theatre Company: Sisters of Gelam Event - Production credits for their 2009 collaboration.
Opera Australia: Lisa Maza Artist Profile - Biographical details on Lisa’s music and board work.
AustLit: Rachael Maza Biography - Records of Rachael's Order of Australia award.
