Sydney Theatre Company and Canberra Theatre Centre’s production of Joanna Murray-Smith’s runaway hit, Julia, will return to Sydney for an encore season at Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House from 5 September, following a sold-out run in Melbourne and upcoming seasons in Canberra and Adelaide.

Since premiering in the nation’s capital in 2023, Justine Clarke’s star turn as Julia Gillard has garnered widespread praise from critics around the country for her “electrifying” embodiment of Australia’s first female Prime Minister, “played with astonishing restraint” (The Guardian).

“Clarke’s performance is purely magnificent” – Time Out

“Justine Clarke brilliantly becomes Gillard in this heroic performance” – Sydney Morning Herald

Murray-Smith’s powerful monologue takes us through key moments in Prime Minister Gillard’s life and culminates in a stirring verbatim performance of the famed 2012 ‘misogyny speech’ that sent shockwaves around the world.

Helmed by Helpmann Award-winning director Sarah Goodes (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Sunday) this unmissable two-hander examines the indelible impact Gillard’s speech has had on an entire generation, aided by the presence of an evocative observer portrayed by Jessica Bentley.

“The writing teems with wit, desire and tenderness” – Arts Hub

Julia is both a compelling insight into the person behind the public mask and a searing reflection on the experience of women in contemporary politics.

The creative team bringing this compelling mix of history and art to life features designer Renée Mulder, lighting designer Alexander Berlage, composer & sound designer Steve Francis, assistant director Charley Allanah, video designer Susie Henderson, and voice & dialect coach Jennifer White.

Julia is an STC commission and co-production with Canberra Theatre Centre.

JULIA
By Joanna Murray-Smith
Directed by Sarah Goodes

Designer Renée Mulder
Lighting Designer Alexander Berlage
Composer & Sound Designer Steve Francis
Video Designer Susie Henderson
Voice & Dialect Coach Gabrielle Rogers
Assistant Director Charley Allanah

Cast
Jessica Bentley, Justine Clarke

Canberra Theatre Centre, The Playhouse
Preview 31 July 2024
Opening 1 August 2024
Season 2 – 11 August 2024
Box Office (02) 6275 2700 / canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Media Enquiries Romina Favero romina@rominafavero.com

Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre
Preview 16 August 2024
Opening 17 August 2024
Season 19 – 31 August 2024
Box Office (08) 8415 5333 / statetheatrecompany.com.au

Media Enquiries Hélène Sobolewski helene@statetheatrecompany.com.au

Sydney Opera House, Drama Theatre
Preview 5 September 2024
Opening 6 September 2024
Season from 7 September 2024
Box Office (02) 9250 1777 / sydneytheatre.com.au