A powerful coming-of-age story from one of the country’s most dynamic theatre collaborations, Melbourne Theatre Company presents My Sister Jill – a universal tale of the Australian spirit set against the backdrop of 1950s to 70s suburban Melbourne, at the Southbank Theatre – The Sumner from 23 September 2023.
The youngest in the family, Christine idolises her father, especially his stories of wartime heroics. Her sister Jill, meanwhile, doesn’t quite share the same sentiments. As the intensity of the Vietnam War looms, the stories slowly start to lose their shine and war threatens to break a new generation apart.
A moving family drama adapted from her own novel for the stage, My Sister Jill sees one of Australia’s most revered writers Patricia Cornelius working with her long-time collaborator Susie Dee.
Forged over nearly 40 years, their fearless artistic partnership has redefined Australian theatre and been celebrated worldwide – in 2019 they became the first Australians to be programmed in the Venice Biennale’s theatre program.
At once compelling, captivating and ultimately hopeful, My Sister Jill has all the makings of an Australian classic. Bringing this new story to the stage is Ian Bliss (Jasper Jones), Maude Davey (The Heartbreak Choir), Lucy Goleby (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), Benjamin Nichol (Sirens), James O’Connell (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), Zachary Pidd (School Of Rock The Musical) and Angourie Rice (Mare of Easttown).
Director: Susie Dee | Featuring: Ian Bliss, Maude Davey, Lucy Goleby, Benjamin Nichol, James O’Connell, Zachary Pidd, Angourie Rice | Set & Costume Designer: Marg Horwell | Lighting Designer: Rachel Burke | Composer & Sound Designer: Kelly Ryall | Assistant Director: Kitan Petkovski | Intimacy Coordinator: Amy Cater | Fight Choreographer: Lyndall Grant
My Sister Jill
Southbank Theatre – The Sumner, Southbank Boulevard, Southbank
Season: 28 September – 28 October 2023 (previews: 23 – 27 September)
Information and Bookings: www.mtc.com.au
Image: Angourie Rice and Lucy Goleby star in My Sister Jill – photo by Jo Duck