Julia

An intimate and compelling production that brings the story behind the 'misogyny speech' to life.

31 Mar - 20 May 2023

Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House

The Play

"[Justine] Clarke is magnificent…The production is a triumph of artistic collaboration." The Canberra Times

Julia

By Joanna Murray-Smith
Directed by Sarah Goodes

Not now, not ever

In 2012, Australia's first female prime minister, Julia Gillard, gave a speech that sent shockwaves around the world. 

Now, ten years later, one of Australia’s most esteemed and celebrated playwrights, Joanna Murray-Smith, brings the human story behind that speech to the stage.

Julia is an extraordinary new play that will see the glorious Justine Clarke (Children of the Sun) embody the life and career that led to the ‘misogyny speech’, in a phenomenal performance directed by Helpmann Award-winner Sarah Goodes (The Children). 

This is both an intimate and compelling insight into the person behind the public mask, and a reflection on the experience of women in contemporary politics. Combining genuine excerpts from Gillard’s speech with Murray-Smith’s incredible dramatic imagination this play is also a thrilling coming together of history and art.

Around the world, we are seeing the most profound rollbacks to women’s rights legislation in two generations. At the same time, there have been encouraging strides forward in the representation of women in positions of power, both at home and abroad. In this climate, Julia is a rousing and energising reminder of where we’ve come from and an empowering imagining of the challenges we’ve yet to face.

Julia is the proud recipient of the Blake Beckett Trust Female Playwrights' and Female Directors' Award.

Approx. duration 90 mins (no interval). Subject to change.
Content Strong language and strobe lighting. Subject to change.

This play is a fictional imagining by the playwright, of true events in the life of Julia Gillard. It combines references to true events, extracts from published works, interviews, fictitious commentary and opinions which the Playwright and the Producers believe to be honestly held. Ms Gillard has not endorsed or read, nor had any artistic input into the production of, this play. 

VISITOR SAFETY INFORMATION

The safety of our audiences, artists and staff is of paramount importance. For full details on our safety measures please visit our Visitor Safety Information page.

Dates

Previews 31 Mar – 3 Apr 2023
Season 5 Apr – 20 May 2023

Night with the Artists
Mon 24 Apr, post-show Q&A

Access Performances

Captioned Performances
Tue 9 May, 6.30pm
Sat 13 May, 1.30pm

Audio Described Performances
Sat 6 May, 1.30pm

Auslan-Interpreted Performances
Thu 11 May, 7.30pm

Schools Performances

Wed 3 May, 11.30am

Browse our full Education program

Performance start times
Preview performances 7.30pm
In-season evening performances Mon & Tue 6.30pm; Wed – Sat 7.30pm
Matinee performances Wed 1pm; Sat 1.30pm

Approx. duration 90 mins (no interval). Subject to change.

Ticket Information 

Single tickets
Mon – Thu performances
Adult A Reserve $114
Seniors card holder $109
Concession $86
Under 30 $64

Fri & Sat performances
All tickets $119

Preview performances
All tickets $59

Standing Room
Mon – Thu performances $40
Fri & Sat performances $45

Season Ticket prices
Saturday evening A Reserve $98
Adult A Reserve $93
Seniors cardholder $89
Pensioner/Student $70
Under 30 $51
Preview $51

Season Ticket Additional ticket prices
Mon – Thu performances
Adult A Reserve $104
Seniors card holder $99
Concession $78
Under 30 $57

Fri & Sat performances
All tickets $109

Preview performances
All tickets $57

Mini Package prices
Mon – Thu performances
Adult A Reserve $98
Seniors cardholder $94
Pensioner/Student $74
Under 30 $54

Friday & Saturday performances
A Reserve $103

Preview performances
All tickets $54

Transaction fees may apply
Season Ticket bookings: no fees
Single ticket bookings: $8.50 online; $8.50 telephone; $0 Box Office counter

Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.

Concession, seniors and under 30 tickets
Suitable and valid identification must be provided for collection of tickets and at the venue, such as your concession or proof of age card. Alternatively, you may email a copy of your identification to [email protected]. Please quote your booking reference number.

Access requirements
For specific access requirements, please call Box Office on (02) 9250 1777 to book your seats. More info.

Authorised ticket sellers
The only authorised ticket sellers for this event is Sydney Theatre Company. Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered valid and reliable. More info.

Director Sarah Goodes
Designer Renée Mulder
Lighting Designer Alexander Berlage
Composer & Sound Designer Steve Francis
Video Designer Susie Henderson
Assistant Director Charley Sanders
Voice Coach Jennifer White

With
Jessica Bentley, Justine Clarke

Marketing image Rene Vaile; Samuel Cooper, National Library of Australia, nla.obj-132074387.

This listing is updated as cast and creatives are confirmed in the lead-up to the production, and if there are any changes to the team. Ensure you have the most up-to-date information about each play by opting in to our enews.

"Justine Clarke brilliantly becomes Julia Gillard in this heroic performance" ★★★★ The Sydney Morning Herald

"An intoxicating and fascinating experience that hits something deep and resounding within us"
"Set designer Renee Mulder has come through with a sparse set that pulls Justine Clarke’s performance into magical focus." ★★★★ Time Out

"Justine Clarke is electrifying…[Sarah] Goodes shapes the piece with insight and care" The Guardian

"[Joanna] Murray-Smith’s writing is undeniably powerful…Vigorously poignant, yet dazzlingly splendid" ★★★★ Suzy Goes See

"A highly humanising, proud and sympathetic portrait of Gillard through the years, from young girl to federal helmswoman…Julia shines a light on a significant historical moment, as well as on Clarke’s acting chops." Limelight

For the Canberra season

"Fast-paced and clever…a celebration of women in power and a stark look at what it takes to get there" The Australian

"The production is a triumph of artistic collaboration. [Joanna] Murray-Smith weaves a mystery to discover the essence of a woman compelled to negotiate a male-dominated domain. [Sarah] Goodes' unobtrusive direction is supportive and compassionate." The Canberra Times

"Joanna Murray-Smith has crafted a powerful, compelling play…A remarkable showcase for the talents of Justine Clarke, brilliantly directed, and mightily entertaining." Australian Arts Review

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