It all started with Eve and the original sin. So sets the narrative. But our women will not sit back and just be well-behaved. They will rise, they will dream and weave their stories. They will resist.
Carmel Dean, writer and composer, an Aussie ex pat living in NYC for many a year, has launched what may have fewer links in style or musical genre yet seeks to historically weave in each ‘character’ and song a story nonetheless. She has in this concert or song cycle invited women of history to take over the telling of the narrative, at times directly from the men. Men who dishonoured, hijacked, dominated, and mansplained why these women might not be endowed with importance. Either to history or the sisterhood.
Each frame in its unique song style held the audience in its thrall. Character building or diva-esque delivery, each gave us the possibility. Women we knew or knew of. Others welcomed with a new voice. All with something to stand out. A room of one’s own narrative of the Shakespeare’s sister story as wrought from Virgina Woolf herself. The songs were passionate, on the whole powerful and very telling. This Australian audience loved the homegrown Fanny Durak and Mina Wylie (whose names may adorn local swimming pools) and yet the details of their stories were a first time heard for me. Or our own Julia Gillard and Grace Tame, replacing the 2020 NY showcase that included Eleanor Roosevelt and Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
I commend the company, including Stefanie Caccamo (a magnificent Frida Kahlo), Zahra Newman (A rockstar Eve and Julia G), Elenoa Rokobaro (Cleopatra no less, and Billie Jean King) and although tonight we missed Ursula Yovich (and hence missed Cathy Freeman) tonight’s standby of Sarah Murr (Boudicca, Mulan’s mother). All songs beautifully accompanied by a four piece, Piano, base/double base, drums/percussionist and guitar.
The new musical is so often now a conscience sparker or at the very least a conversation starter. They comment on this modern world and intend to shake it up. Offering a new take on what once was an expected narrative. Boy meets girl etc etc. I enjoyed director Blazey Best’s take on each character. There is nothing to say such angles of the modern perspective do not invite, incite and still will entertain.
I love the musical variety, blending elements of pop, rock, folk, country and 70s power ballads. No rules in this modern musical theatre. Set enhanced with well placed screens and images, colour and a simple narrator script style at times to welcome the next woman. Somehow so briefly everywoman is celebrated in this 15 character assembly. The sinner, the fighter, the leader, the invisible, the champions, the daughter, the wife and mother. All should be seen and heard and definitely never labelled well-behaved.
Season at Belvoir St Theatre from 28 Sept – 3 Nov
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Instruments generously supplied by Kawai and Michelle Guthrie Presents co production
