Writer: Joanna Murray-Smith
Director: Sarah Goodes
It lasted a mere 15 minutes, but the ripples from Julia Gillard’s famed ‘misogyny speech’ are felt a decade later. Now a peerless team of the country’s finest theatre makers tease apart the many threads that led to this pivotal moment in Australian political life.
Julia is a rich, revealing portrait of a famously private figure. From her youth as an optimistic advocate for change through to the cruel and punishing attacks she withstood as she grew in power, Julia represents much more than the individual who became Australia’s first female prime minister. It’s a portrait of us, right now.
Written with impeccable insight by the legendary Joanna Murray-Smith (Berlin), directed by Helpmann Award-winning Sarah Goodes (Sunday) and performed by the phenomenal Justine Clarke and Jessica Bentley of the original cast, this acclaimed Sydney Theatre Company and Canberra Theatre Centre co-production saw audiences clamouring for standing-room tickets during its premiere run in 2023.
Now Julia arrives in the town Prime Minister Gillard called home throughout her political term, at a moment when women’s rights around the world are under threats new and old, to ask how far we’ve come.
Wheelchair access is via the front entrance on Southbank Boulevard. There are lifts to all levels. The foyer offer tables and chairs at wheelchair height, and a low bar service area.
GETTING TO THE VENUE
BY TRAM: For routes travelling up and down St Kilda Road (1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72) you can alight at the Arts Centre stop and walk to Southbank Theatre. Route 1 goes down Southbank Boulevard, and stops on Sturt Street just outside Melbourne Recital Centre (located next to the Southbank Theatres).
BY TRAIN: Southbank Theatre is within easy distance of Flinders Street Station. After exiting the station, walked south down St Kilda Road.
BY CAR: Wilson Parking has multiple paid options available: Roverside Quay, Southgate, Eureka or Flingers Gate car parks. Please note, these are paid carparks.
★★★★ "Justine Clarke brilliantly becomes Gillard in this heroic performance." - The Sydney Morning Herald
★★★★ "An intoxicating and fascinating experience." - Time Out
Cast: Jessica Bentley and Justine Clarke
Writer: Joanna Murray-Smith
Director: Sarah Goodes
Designer: Renée Mulder
Lighting Designer: Alexander Berlage
Composer & Sound Designer: Steve Francis
Video Designer: Susie Henderson
Assistant Director: Charley Sanders
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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