Sex, gender, power and privilege prove an explosive combination in Simon Stone’s adaptation of August Strindberg’s Miss Julie.
Strindberg’s study of sexual tension across power and class was vital and compelling in its time. In this contemporary setting we contemplate privilege, youth and the infuriating double stands that still apply to men and women who use sex to obtain agency.
Jean (Brendan Cowell) and Christine (Blazey Best) work in the home of a powerful politician. While he is on the election trail they are responsible for his precocious and rebellious daughter, Julie (Taylor Ferguson).
At just 16 years old, Julie is far too aware of the power of her privileged position and blossoming sexuality. Jean is far too ambitious to resist the illicit temptations of power and youth.
Leticia Caceres is well known to Belvoir audiences from her explosive 2011 production The Dark Room. This year she was appointed Associate Director at Melbourne Theatre Company, where she directed an acclaimed production of Constellations by Nicholas Payne.
Brendan Cowell is one of Australia’s most acclaimed actors with film, television and theatre credits, and countless awards to his name. Miss Julie is Cowell’s debut in Belvoir’s Upstairs theatre.
Making her professional theatrical debut, 21-year-old Taylor Ferguson plays the titular Julie with a disturbing balance of malice and naivety. Sydney Theatre Award-winner Blazey Best (Best Female Actor for Medea) returns to Belvoir as Christine, Jean’s long-suffering fiancé who is surprisingly driven and resilient when pushed.
In the contemporary world of 24-hour news cycles, fame and social media, this Miss Julie puts a whole new spin on the contemplation of who is to blame when situations get dangerously out-of-hand.
Director: Leticia Cáceres Featuring: Blazey Best, Brendan Cowell, Taylor Ferguson Set Designer: Robert Cousins Costume Designer: Tess Schofield Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper Composer & Sound Designer: The Sweats
Miss Julie
Belvoir St Theatre – 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills
Season continues to 6 October 2013
Bookings: (02) 9699 3444 or online at: www.belvoir.com.au
For more information, visit: www.belvoir.com.au for details.
Image: Taylor Ferguson by Ellis Parrinder