“I will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man, I will not.”
The sentence is forever stored in our collective memory, it stopped the nation, and highlighted the double standards in our political system. But what happened in the lead-up to Julia Gillard’s passionate misogyny speech?
Canberra Theatre Centre (CTC) has today, Thursday 6 October, announced its partnership with Sydney Theatre Company to co-produce Julia, a new play that will premiere a stone’s throw away from where the words were spoken. Starring Justine Clarke in the title role, the play will hit the stage on 18 March 2023.
After every sexist thing directed at me that I’d bitten my lip on, now I was going to be accused of sexism – the unfairness of that. That anger propelled it.
Julia Gillard
The 2012 speech was heard around the world in reaction to accusations of sexism by Opposition Leader Tony Abbot. Now, 10 years after the fact, renowned Australian playwright Joanna Murray Smith offers audiences an insight into the behind-the-scenes life of Australia’s first female Prime Minister.
“I was fascinated by the untold story — who was the Julia Gillard capable of so much passion and where did the rage come from that led to that globally sensational moment? Less a political judgement and more a forensic psychological investigation, my play hypothesises who this woman really is beneath the public gaze.”
Alex Budd, director of Canberra Theatre Centre, says the production seamlessly entwines a period of our national capital’s history and art together to create an intimate and compelling insight into the person behind the public mask.
The CTC says it is committed to producing new work of the highest quality, while the world premiere of Julia occurring here in the capital is the perfect example of their commitment to Canberra audiences.
“This is a landmark moment in the history of Canberra Theatre Centre as we embark with Sydney Theatre Company on the creation of what will be an historic piece of Australian theatre,” Budd says.
Not now, not ever; the legendary Julia Gillard misogyny speech will come to life in Julia at Canberra Theatre Centre, 18-25 March 2023. Tickets go on sale 13 October; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Get all the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
