Presented by Steamworks Arts and Feisty Dame Productions - JULIA - World Premiere season 20-29 May at The Studio Underground at STCWA

Fresh from a regional development and incredible reaction to its performance in Harvey, JULIA heads to the State Theatre Centre of WA for its world #premiere season from 20 to 29 May 2021. This powerful and gripping solo dance theatre work by one of Australia's leading contemporary dancers, #natalieallen, is co-created in partnership with and directed by #sallyrichardson.

As the ten-year anniversary of her iconic misogyny speech in parliament approaches, JULIA is a response to Julia Gillard’s experience as Prime Minister and her legacy, to the wider culture of #metoo, and the frustration we feel as we read, see, hear and experience sexism, misogyny, discrimination, violence and marginalisation across our community.

Created from the parliamentary record, media reportage and public commentary around the political leadership of Australia’s first female Prime Minister, this show is directly inspired by Julia Gillard’s story and the experience of many others.

Positioned in a form of ‘public’ gallery, with the audience on four sides, the mood is one of intimacy and exposure. Lighting and sound, a blend of sampled voice, news bite and original composition, recreate both the world of Gillard and the media circus she was a part of. Allen dances in and around the audience, every move she makes, every gesture is visible. This is a timely and compelling portrait that reflects on female leadership, personality, power and the body politic. A dynamic dance theatre performance that will rock your socks off!

JULIA began its journey in 2018, supported by STRUT to be part of NEXT at MOVE ME FESTIVAL. In 2020 the team came back together participating in the Performing Lines WA Creative Hub to continue building the work. As part of a regional development the team have undertaken a two-week residency in Harvey, will showcase sections of the work at Margaret River Writers & Readers Festival in May, presenting the completed work at Albany Entertainment Centre in June, following its Perth #premiere.

“We are excited to be reaching out to a diverse audience with this work and the regional development and recent successful performance at the Harvey Town Hall has been a very important part of that,” #sallyrichardson said.

“ReceivingwonderfulfeedbackfromDavidMarshall,CEOofHarveyRecreation&CulturalCentre that,thedayafter the performance the local park was buzzing with comments from #people from in the audience and that it will forever be a reference point of, “Do you remember that night at the Town Hall when JULIA...”, is testament to the power of this work.”

Performances will feature a pre-show ‘in-conversation’ with members of the team and leading women in arts, sport, politics and business.

We believe JULIA will be a force for action in raising awareness, calling for change, recognising we are “all entitled to a better standard than this”, and we are all part of making it happen.

Supporters are invited to join a powerful chorus of voices calling out oppression, marginalisation and indifference to women. Tax deductible donations, via the Creative Partnerships Australia Match Lab program, (matching donations dollar for dollar up to $5,000) effectively doubling your gift can be made via the Australian Cultural Fund here

Season Information
Preview: 20 May 2021, 6.30pm pre-show “In Conversation” talk, The Studio Underground bar,
Show 7.00pm-8.00pm
Season: 21 May -29 May 2021: 6.30pm pre-show “ In Conversation” talk in The Studio Underground bar, Show 7.00pm-8.00pm ( no pre-show talk on Opening Night 21 May)
Matinee: 2pm, 28 May (no pre-show talk)
Tickets: $28- $39.50 at www.ptt.wa.gov.au