In October 2012, Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, gave the famous “misogyny speech” that sent shockwaves around the world. More than a decade later, one of Australia’s most esteemed and globally-produced playwrights, Joanna Murray-Smith, brings the human story behind that speech to the stage.
Justine Clarke, whose triumphant turn in Girls & Boys around the country cemented her position as a dramatic powerhouse, takes on the role of a lifetime embodying the life and career of the woman behind the speech, alongside Jessica Bentley who plays a Young Woman who represents our conscience. Directed by Helpmann Award-winner Sarah Goodes, Julia has been a sold out success in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney, dazzling audiences with a profound, wry and intoxicating exploration of gender, privilege and power.
State Theatre Company South Australia Artistic Director Mitchell Butel says: “What an utter thrill to have Justine Clarke returning to the Adelaide stage – an inspirational and talented actress playing an inspirational and talented Australian icon. Justine’s performance in our production of Girls & Boys knocked people’s socks off and I know her skill and heart will once again leave audiences breathless in this riveting production that has seen audiences leaping to their feet nightly.”
Julia is both an intimate and compelling insight into the person behind the public mask and a reflection on the experience of women in contemporary politics. Combining genuine excerpts from Gillard’s speech with Murray-Smith’s incredible dramatic imagination, this play is a thrilling coming together of history and art.
Writer Joanna Murray-Smith says: “I have had many plays at State Theatre Company South Australia and I am thrilled to be back in Adelaide in one of this country’s great theatres with the intelligent, engaged audiences I always find here.”
As women around the world continue to fight for human rights, representation and against oppression, Julia is an empowering reminder of where we’ve come from and the challenges that lie ahead, seen through the prism of Julia Gillard’s childhood in Wales, education in Adelaide and her journey into and through the battlefield of Australian politics across Melbourne and Canberra.
The Adelaide season of Julia is proudly supported by the Dramatic Women donor group of the State Theatre Company South Australia and The University of Adelaide’s 150th celebration. Star of Julia, Justine Clarke says: “Dramatic Women is such a vibrant and dynamic group and I’m grateful for their support in bringing Julia to South Australian audiences by recognising how important it is to produce and present stories about women from all walks of life.”
Julia
16th – 31st of August, 2024
Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide
Contains strong language and strobe lighting
