2024 – The Female of the Species

Thirty years ago Margot Mason, pioneer of the 1970s Women’s Liberation movement and fearless academic, wrote her ground-breaking work and numerous best-sellers followed. Now she has writer’s block. Molly, an unannounced visitor and committed fan of Margot and her work, offers a potential solution – until Molly produces a gun and calmly informs Margot that she intends to kill her because she blames her for warping her mother’s mind and ruining her life with her hit book The Cerebral Vagina.

Joanna Murray-Smith’s deliciously wicked comedy deftly walks the tightrope between satire and farce proving the female of the species is not only deadlier, but funnier than the male.

This latest gem from the pen of one of Australia’s most outstanding playwrights was inspired by Germaine Greer’s experience of being held captive in her country house in Essex in 2000.

Cast

Margot ... Julie Bray
Molly … Gemma Keliher
Tess … Rhiannon Said
Bryan … Jack Murphy
Frank … Aaron Watson
Theo … Colin Wilkes

Crew

Directors … Leisa Bye, Rebecca McMahon
Stage Manager … Marion Jones
Set Designer … Jason Sharland
Lighting Design … Aerlyn O’Brien
Lighting & Sound Operators …  Catherine Sturk, Gabrielle Burton

The Female of the Species

The Female of the Species

by Joanna Murray-Smith
Directed by Leisa Bye & Rebecca McMahon

Performed 10 – 24 February 2024