JULIA

Documenting the lead-up to Julia Gillard’s famous 2012 parliamentary ‘misogyny speech’, Joanna Murray-Smith’s must-see production, Julia, will begin performances at Melbourne Theatre Company’s Southbank Theatre from 31 May 2024.

A Sydney Theatre Company and Canberra Theatre Centre production, Julia documents one of the most pivotal moments in Australian political history, sending shockwaves around the world.

The play is a gripping insight into our nation’s first female prime minister, who picked apart the hypocrisy and hideous double standards, and bravely fought the unchecked sexism and misogyny that occurs in contemporary politics.

Julia is helmed by some of Australia’s finest theatre makers, including playwright Joanna Murray-Smith (Berlin, Switzerland) and Helpmann Award-winning director Sarah Goodes (Sunday).

This powerful two-hander features Justine Clarke and Jessica Bentley, who walk audiences through some of the most important parts in Gillard’s life, culminating in an “electrifying” (The Guardian) verbatim performance of the 15-minute speech that has earned a place to live unconditionally in the Australian collective social consciousness.

“Julia is an exhilarating piece of theatre that will linger in the minds of Melbourne audiences, long after they’ve left,” said Melbourne Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, Anne-Louise Sarks.

“After incredibly well-received seasons at both the Sydney Theatre Company and Canberra Theatre Centre, it is so exciting Julia has arrived in the city that Gillard called home throughout her trail-blazing political term.”

Julia
Southbank Theatre – The Sumner, 140 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank
Season: 4 June – 6 July 2024 (previews: 31 May – 3 June)
Information and Bookings: www.mtc.com.au

Image: Justine Clarke – photo by Prudence Upton