Matriarchy – there is no doubt female lineage can cast long shadows over our lives, whether we like it or not. That was most definitely the case with Gumbaynggirr writer and actor Brittanie Shipway’s A Letter for Molly, now showing at the Ensemble Theatre. Great-grandma, grandma, mother, and daughter dance around life’s lessons concerning love, heartache, connection to country, and one’s legacy – all woven and delivered through a filter of maternal love. Female fierceness in the face of societal expectations, and limitations, was never far from the surface in this stunning new play.
Free-spirited artist Renee had a sobering revelation at a New Year’s Eve party. With vivacious best friend Nick by her side, she faced a life-changing decision. This celebration of culture brought to light the importance of identity and the emotional power of multi-generational mother-daughter relationships.
Gumbaynggirr writer and actor Brittanie Shipway explores how the experiences of previous generations echo through time and shape the present. A Letter for Molly is a vibrant, poignant story of reconnecting with family and looking to the future.
CAST:
MIIMI: LISA MAZA
DARLENE/NURSE: PAULA NAZARSKI
LINDA/RECEPTIONIST: NAZAREE DICKERSON
RENEE: BRITTANIE SHIPWAY
NICK/DOCTOR/PHOTOGRAPHER: JOEL GRANGER
UNDERSTUDY: TOBY BLOME
*In respect of Gumbaynggirr culture, characters are listed in order of Elder status.
CREATIVES:
DIRECTOR/UNDERSTUDY: URSULA YOVICH
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: ERIN TAYLOR
VISUAL ART & CULTURAL CONSULTANT: ALISON WILLIAMS
SET & COSTUME DESIGNER: HUGH O’CONNOR
LIGHTING DESIGNER: KELSEY LEE
COMPOSER & SOUND DESIGNER: BRENDON BONEY
VIDEO DESIGNER: MORGAN MORONEY
STAGE MANAGER: LAUREN TULLOH
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER: BRONTE SCHUFTAN
COSTUME SUPERVISOR: SARA KOLIJN
WORKSHOP DRAMATURG: MIRANDA MIDDLETON
TECHNICAL CREATIVE INTERN: AROHA PEHI
MOVEMENT CONSULTANT: SCOTT WITT
Now showing till 4 June 2022 at the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney. To book visit: https://www.ensemble.com.au/shows/a-letter-for-molly/
All photos © Prudence Upton.
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