★★★★★
“Darling, I’m furious, that’s why I’m here.”
I left the theatre with this line running in loops in my mind. Thinking of the hurdles, the obstacles, and the pressure women face in male-dominated industries, and yet, we still succeed.
W, the new and provocative play by New Ghosts Theatre Company at the heart of independent theatre in Sydney, the Old Fitz Theatre, is one you do not want to miss.
The story follows an elite women’s AFL team and their push towards the grand finals. The play navigates the coach and the players’ struggles as a female sporting team, as well as providing moments of celebration of the strength and progress these women make.
Talented writer Madelaine Nunn gives each character a depth of detail and nuance with relatable stories and traits. Credit to Nunn for crafting a story with an extremely clear premise. W is relatable and will resonate beyond the sporting industry.
Director Rachel Chant excels in delivering a poignant and visually exciting production. There is an openly welcome atmosphere that can be felt as soon as one enters the intimate locker room space. We feel the joy of the girls, experience their hardships, and celebrate the exciting moments of the game. Impressive movement choreographed by Poppy Lynch adds a very entertaining and visually striking element.
As a theatre girl and non-sports player, I think this is the closest I will get to understanding what it feels like to be in the team locker room. If there’s one thing I’ve taken away…I think I hate the smell of Deep Heat!
Set and Props designer Meg Anderson and Sound Designer Clare Hennessy entirely transform the basement theatre into a completely realistic locker room. Whilst walking to my seat, my nostrils burned from the overwhelming smell.
Our adrenaline gets pumping with the familiar sounds of crowds cheering and chanting, underscored by popular 2010 hits. And our eyes get to wander and take in the lockers that hint of the characters we are soon to meet.
The costumes, designed by Aloma Barnes Siraswar, are reminiscent of the real Sydney’s women’s AFL team, making this story feel even more true and moving. The design is extremely intentional and executed at a very high quality.
At the heart of this play is the incredible performances by the talented cast of six. Each gives strong, convincing, and vulnerable performances.
At the core of the team is Rosie (Cuddles), played by Shannon Ryan, who gives an incredibly emotionally charged performance as the team captain facing professional and personal life challenges.
Rosie’s partner and team mate Alex (Muscles) is played by Grace Smibert, the person who has to share Rosie’s emotional load as well as her own. Simbert approaches the role with such authenticity, leaving a lasting impression.
The youngest and newest member of the team, Casey (Mouth), played by Celeste Cortes-Davis, provides the audience with a lot of laughter as her naive character begins her sporting journey.
Also carrying a lightness through the show is Brigid (Chompers), played by Ally Morgan. A young mother who is also a star AFL player, she is constantly undermined, and constantly proving herself. Morgan’s performance was instrumental in bringing energy and excitement to the production, helping to keep the audience fully engaged.
The last member of the team is Bee (Legs), played by Edyll Ismail, whose character is constantly compared to her brother, also a successful AFL star. Ismail approaches this character with a lot of strength and vulnerability.
The standout is the coach Sue, played by Danielle Cormack. Extremely hilarious and crude, she had the audience bent over in laughter. She also had them on the verge of tears as they are confronted with the nuances of her tough facade as a female sporting coach in an extremely male-dominated industry.
W is a powerful exploration of women’s experiences through a strong feminist lens. This memorable play is exciting, emotional, and thought-provoking, featuring immersive design elements and raw, nuanced performances.
With queer story lines tangled through the narrative, seeing this piece of theatre would also be a great way to celebrate pride this June!
After spending ninety minutes in the locker room with these incredibly talented women, you’ll understand exactly why they’re furious, and why they’re here.
W is presented by New Ghosts Theatre Company and Old Fitz Theatre. It runs to 14 June at the Old Fitz. 129 Dowling Street Woolloomooloo NSW 2011.
Tickets: https://tickets.iwannaticket.com.au/event/w-ih8pkd
Website: https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/w-the-play
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/newghoststheatrecompany/ and https://www.instagram.com/oldfitztheatre/
Photo credits: Phil Erbacher
