Julia

The brilliantly talented Justine Clarke returns to deliver an encore of this exhilarating performance that will be remembered for generations.

5 Sep - 12 Oct 2024

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

Run, don’t walk, to secure tickets to the special encore season of one of 2023’s greatest theatrical experiences. The brilliantly talented Justine Clarke returns to step into the shoes of Australia’s first female prime minister and deliver an exhilarating performance that will be remembered for generations.

In 2012, Julia Gillard gave a speech that sent shockwaves around the world. Now, over a decade later, a group of Australia’s finest theatre-makers – Playwright Joanna Murray-Smith, Director Sarah Goodes, Designer Renée Mulder, and an outstanding creative team, along with Clarke and exciting newcomer Jessica Bentley – have created a stirring and inspiring re-examination of that moment and a revelatory portrait of the woman who made it all happen.

Julia is both a compelling insight into the person behind the public mask, and a reflection on the experience of women in contemporary politics. In a thrilling coming together of history and art, Murray-Smith’s incredible dramatic imagination has rendered a powerful monologue that takes us through key moments in Prime Minister Gillard’s life, culminating in an “electrifying” (The Guardian) verbatim performance of the ‘misogyny speech’.

Showered with critical adoration and a sell-out season in 2023, Julia remains one of the hottest tickets in town for any theatregoer interested in spectacular acting, first-rate directing, the state of Australian politics, or the stirring story of one woman who changed history.

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.

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

DATES

Previews 5 Sep 2024
Season 7 Sep – 12 Oct

Night with the Artists
Mon 16 Sep, post-show

Captioned Performances
Tue 1 Oct, 6.30pm
Sat 5 Oct, 1.30pm

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

SCHOOLS PERFORMANCES

Wed 11 Sep, 11.30am. More info.

SINGLE Ticket PRICES 

Mon – Thu
Adult/Seniors Premium Reserve $125
Adult/Seniors A Reserve $115
Adult/Seniors B Reserve $100
Student/Concession Premium Reserve $95
Student/Concession A Reserve $85
Student/Concession B Reserve $70
Under 30s Premium Reserve $75
Under 30s A Reserve $65
Under 30s B Reserve $50

Fri & Sat evening
Premium Reserve $140
A Reserve $125
B Reserve $110

Sat Matinee & Sun
Adult/Seniors Premium Reserve $140
Adult/Seniors A Reserve $125
Adult/Seniors B Reserve $110
Student/Concession Premium Reserve $110
Student/Concession A Reserve $95
Student/Concession B Reserve $80
Under 30s Premium Reserve $90
Under 30s A Reserve $75
Under 30s B Reserve $60

Preview performances
Premium Reserve $70
A Reserve $65
B Reserve $55

Groups Discount (10+ people)
Monday – Thursday
Premium $113
A Reserve $104
B Reserve $90

Please call the Box Office on (02) 9250 1777 to book groups.

Season Ticket Prices

Book this play as part of a Season Ticket and save*. Plus, pay no transaction fees, and enjoy exclusive benefits all year round.

  • Book a Platinum Season Ticket of 10 – 13 plays and save up to 20%
  • Book a Gold Season Ticket of 6 – 9 plays and save up to 15%
  • Book a Silver Season Ticket of 3 – 5 plays and save up to 10%

Seniors discounts
Seniors discounts are an exclusive benefit for Season Ticket Holders. Seniors card holders (excluding Senior Savers Cards) save $5 for all performances except Previews, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.
*Discount is off full-price tickets, excluding preview performances.

Transaction fees may apply
Season Ticket bookings: $0
Single ticket bookings: $8.50

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 seller 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 Allanah
Voice & Dialect Coach Jennifer White

With
Jessica Bentley, Justine Clarke

Marketing image Rene Vaile

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 

"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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