Bob Maza

Robert Lewis Maza (25 November 1939 – 14 May 2000), known as Bob Maza, was an Indigenous Australian actor, playwright and activist.

Early life and education Robert Lewis Maza was born on Palm Island in North Queensland on 25 November 1939, to a Murray Islander (Torres Strait Islander) father and to a Yidindji (Australian Aboriginal) mother.

Theatre In 1971 Maza started working in theatre with Jack Charles, and together they formed Nindethana, putting on a humorous piece called Jack Charles Is Up and Fighting, subtitled "It‟s tough for us Boongs in Australia today". Mereki (first performed 8 October 1984), Tiddalik the Frog, and The Rainbow Serpent (1992)

The Keepers, based on the true story of a Scottish settler family meeting the last few members of the Buandig (Boandik) people of Rivoli Bay in South Australia and at Belvoir Street Theatre in 1988,

It was the first play produced by the Aboriginal National Theatre Trust,

In 1998 Maza won the Red Ochre Award,

Awards in his name

At the Tudawali Awards in 2002, the Indigenous Unit of the Australian Film Commission (AFC) awarded the Bob Maza Memorial Award, to recognise emerging acting talent and support professional development. This was awarded to Ursula Yovich

Winners of the Bob Maza Fellowship include: 2005: Ursula Lovich & Tom E. Lewis 2006: Leah Purcell 2011: Wayne Blair 2013: Tony Briggs 2005: Warren Owens 2014: Noel Tovey ? (twice): Pauline Whyman

Personal life He married Dutch immigrant to Australia, Vera Blankman, and the couple are parents to actor and director Rachael Maza and writer and actor Lisa Maza.