Record-breaking play returns to stage starring Sheridan Harbridge
When you like it very much at first glance Director Lee Lewis, who was first in development, said: “I can’t wait for this game to be irrelevant.”
The sharply written one-woman tour de force tells the story of a lawyer who defends perpetrators of sexual assault, only to see the tables turned. It was first performed in 2019, so it’s perhaps bittersweet that both the show and actor Sheridan Harbridge, who originally starred in the series, are returning for a return season. at first glance‘s themes are up to date as always.
Translated into 30 languages, at first glance It had a record-breaking Broadway and West End season (starring Jodie Comer) and has been performed around the world. The film, written by Tony-winning and Olivier-winning playwright (and former human rights lawyer) Suzie Miller, has also completed shooting. about a film adaptation Starring Cynthia Erivo.
Harbridge says at first glance The play helped further the debate about the failure of the legal system to provide justice for women in cases of rape, sexual assault or harassment. It was presented to the parliament, reforms were made, training was provided. “Then we moved on to concepts like affirmative consent; it’s a fantastic thing to teach young people. When I was young, words like ‘consent’ weren’t even spoken of.”
Harbridge says the show’s themes are becoming more relevant. “Women are more afraid than ever to come forward. Many people are still facing the same consequences for telling the truth about what happened to them and trying to silence people.” [to account] …it’s pretty devastating.”
On the eve of the play’s next performance, presented by Griffin Theater Company and Andrew Henry Presents, Harbridge says she feels “pretty fragile and vulnerable again because of the climate of the world… everyone’s feeling a darkness right now.”
at first glance Harbridge, who has just finished playing Divinyls frontwoman Chrissy Amphlett in another Australian soap, says it’s about activism, empowerment and finding your own voice. reinforced.
Harbridge, 40, also co-wrote Dean Bryant. My Perfect CareerThis musical re-imagining of Miles Franklin’s classic book also had a return season at the Melbourne Theater Company this year.
Audience members told Harbridge: at first glance It helped them come forward and press charges against the perpetrators. He says the production prepares others for “what it’s like to have a defense attorney tear you apart.”
Although he wishes it wasn’t a story that needed to be told anymore, Harbridge is excited for the game to return.
A lot of time and energy goes into producing such works, he says, but they usually only have a five- or six-week run time. “Theater is the thing that is most responsive to current events because it is a faster machine than film,” he says. “So people are missing the opportunity to respond face-to-face to what’s going on in our world.”
at first glance It will be at Melbourne Comedy Theater from May and Sydney’s Roslyn Packer Theater from June.
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