WOMEN POWER & CULTURE – THEN & NOW
Public debate surrounding the under-representation women writers in Australian theatre has been a hot topic over the last couple of years. Women Power and Culture – then and now is the brainchild of the New Theatre’s Artistic Director Louise Fischer and presents a series of short plays by writers such as Augusta Supple, Alana Valentine, Katie Pollock and more that explore the contributions women have made to Australian political, cultural and social life.
Fischer says, “Women writers are writing really great stuff but they’re not getting on stage as much as the men. All the writers and directors in this show are women.”
The plays examine everything from the 1984 Sex Act to the being a rock drummer in the 1980s to the little known fact that many Aboriginal women worked as drovers up until the 1930s.
One writer, 24-year-old Zoe Hogan, has written about a woman who asks for a pay rise. “The idea was sparked when I asked for a pay rise myself and found it much more difficult than I thought it would be. I just took it from there.”
Fischer says, “It’s about our perspective but it’s funny, it’s witty, it’s sexy, it’s sassy… It’s theatre written by well known, terrific practitioners that need a voice.”
Hogan agrees, “It’s a smorgasbord of stories that will hopefully be inspiring, enlightening and a really good night’s entertainment.”
Oct 26-Nov 5, New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown, $25-40, 1300 306 776, www.newtheater.org.au
BY ROSLYN HELPER
