Inspired by the best-selling, award-winning memoir by Australian writer and poet of Afro-Caribbean descent Maxine Beneba Clarke, The Hate Race is an unflinching exploration of the complexities of race in Australia, and the universal search for belonging. Making its theatrical premiere on the Malthouse stage, this powerful story stars Zahra Newman (Wake in Fright), accompanied by multidisciplinary performer and musician Kuda Mapeza. Zahra embodies all characters from the book with astonishing honesty and theatricality.
The Hate Race follows Maxine’s childhood in Sydney’s western suburbs, as she navigates the sting of otherness. From everyday street encounters to schoolyard battles, Maxine’s story exposes the realities of growing up the child of Black migrants in a predominantly white society. This inventive reimagining, filled with poetry, music and beats, invites audiences to experience Maxine’s world—exposing biases, challenging societal norms, and asking us to foster empathy and understanding as we seek an inclusive future.
The Hate Race is more than a theatrical experience—it is a call to action. This is how we change.
LABRISH COMMUNITY PROGRAM
Labrish, the community program of The Hate Race, is designed for people who identify as African diasporic, First Peoples, people of colour and underrepresented creatives. Labrish is an activation of free workshops and spoken word events surrounded by community elevation, mental health resources and access to discounted tickets. It is a celebration of storytelling, wellbeing and connection.
This script was commissioned by Malthouse Theatre. The development of this script has been generously supported by Griffin Theatre Company and City of Sydney.
Key image: Tiffany Garvie
Illustration: Michelle Pereira
WRITER /
Maxine Beneba Clarke
CO-DIRECTOR /
Tariro Mavondo
CO-DIRECTOR /
Courtney Stewart
DRAMATURG /
Declan Greene
CAST /
Zahra Newman
CAST (MUSICIAN) /
Kuda Mapeza
SET & COSTUME DESIGNER /
Zoë Rouse
LIGHTING DESIGNER /
Rachel Lee
COMPOSER & SOUND DESIGNER /
Dan West
STAGE MANAGER /
Jess Keepence
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LEAD /
Amarantha Robinson
DRAMATURGY SUPPORT /
Bernadette Fam
BESEN PLACEMENT ARTIST PROGRAM RECIPIENT (SET & COSTUME DESIGN) /
Bianca Pardo
BESEN PLACEMENT ARTIST PROGRAM RECIPIENT (PRODUCING) /
Emily Wells
SCENIC ARTIST /
Patrick Jones
Event & ticketing details
Performance Times
Content notes
This production contains dynamic sound and strobing lights, frequent use of coarse language, depictions of external, internalised and systemic racism and microaggressions, depictions of racial violence, kidnapping & racial slurs, references to slavery and colonisation, depictions of anxiety and struggles with mental health within minors.
For the full list of content warnings, see here.
Event notes
DURATION /
65 minutes (no interval)
More like this
Where the sacred meets the ecstatic
More infoHomo Pentecostus
10 – 25 MAYYou've only heard half the story.
More info