Sydney Theatre Company will present The Election Monologues – a brand-new collection of monologues from internationally acclaimed playwright Suzie Miller (RBG: Of Many, One; Prima Facie), staged in a free, rehearsed reading at Roslyn Packer Theatre on Monday 4 November 2024.
“With the US election about to determine so much of the world’s future, these monologues, based on real people, are a taste of what is at stake. They act as a warning bell for Australians and other democracies as to what we must protect at all costs,” said Miller.
“Playing around the world including the USA, Scotland, England and Australia, these short pieces show the human cost when democracies are fragile and basic human rights are at risk.”
These gripping monologues, featuring Miller’s signature blend of compassion, urgency and sharp insight, will be brought to life by a brilliant cast of performers including Miller’s longtime collaborator Heather Mitchell, multi-Logie Award-winner Miranda Tapsell, Justin Amankwah and Lotte Beckett.
Directed by STC Director of New Work & Artistic Development Paige Rattray and conceived by Development Producer for BBC Writersroom Abigail Gonda, The Election Monologues address ideas around intellectual and reproductive freedom, and are inspired by real-life testimonials with doctors and librarians in Idaho, USA.
“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to stage a reading of these urgent, rapid-response monologues by Suzie Miller as our second ‘Watershed Moment’. Miller’s powerful voice and belief in using art as a tool for change is an inspiration to us all,” said Rattray.
The Election Monologues at STC will form part of a global theatrical event, with Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh also staging a reading on Monday 4 November 2024. Tickets for the Sydney event are free and bookings are essential via www.sydneytheatre.com.au
Image: Suzie Miller – photo by Sarah Hadley