Based on research and lived experiences of mature-aged homeless women, theCoalface presents WAY – written and performed by AWGIE-winner Sally McKenzie at fortyfivedownstairs this May.
Documentary maker Lynne has a problem. How does she interest the national broadcaster in a doco about women 55 years and over who are homeless?
There’s Julie who lives on the streets, Maysie who lives in her car, Lily whose couch-surfing options have run out and Zahra who lives in a women’s refuge. All of them diverse subjects with lived experiences.
The broadcaster insists the subject isn’t sexy and even worse Lynne’s film has an ‘arty’ treatment. But in the tradition of truth-seekers, Lynne is determined to expose the reality that this is one of the fastest growing demographic of homeless people in Australia.
Lynne’s doco isn’t pity porn. She doesn’t want to manipulate the audience. She wants to agitate towards awareness and change. Meanwhile, Lynne’s own life journey reaches a destination she could never have imagined…
“WAY is a play driven by passion and shaped by theatrical skill… An astonishing sustained theatre performance… If you love theatre, see this” – Stage Whispers
Stage Director: Sean Mee | Writer/Performer: Sally McKenzie | Sound Designer: J. David Franzke | Lighting Designer: Giovanna Yate Gonzalez | Design Consultant: Richard Roberts | Technical Operator: Katie Williams | Producer & Screen Images: Sally McKenzie | Screen Editor: Joe Lancaster | Cinematographer: Rocco Fasano
WAY
fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Season: 2 – 12 May 2024 (preview: 1 May)
Information and Bookings: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com
Image: Sally McKenzie – photo by Jeff Busby