By Matthew Sims
The real-life story of five LGBTQIA+ Victorians who helped shape the conversation is being brought to the stage in Footscray this month.
As part of the Midsumma Festival and with support from Maribyrnong council, ‘Thrive: Queer voices, out loud’ is running at Footscray’s Bluestone Church Arts Space from Tuesday, January 24 to Saturday, January 28.
The show weaves together the stories of three LGBTQIA+ Victorians over 65 years of age and two 25-year-old individuals, telling the story of their determination to create a more equitable future for their community.
Director Cheyney Caddy (she/they) said she believes the show is her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a difference.
“We’ve been working on Thrive for two years now,” she said.
“It’s been such a labour of love and I couldn’t be more excited to share this work with audiences.
“I think when you become a theatre-maker everyone starts with the idea that they want to change the world for the better, and then as you gain experience you learn how rare an opportunity that actually is; once in a lifetime, if you’re lucky.”
Performer Aspen Beilharz (she/they) is playing Julie Peters (she/her), the real-life activist and the first transgender person to run for parliament in Australia.
“Rehearsing Thrive has been a wonderfully warm, joyful, energised experience,” she said.
“We’re having fun, but more than that, everyone is passionate about the work we’re doing.
“Having the chance to explore Julie’s story and bring it to the stage has been an honour.”
Ms Peters said her involvement with the productio is helping her learn more about the sense of inclusion for gender, relationship and diverse sexualities and communities within country Victoria.
“When I was younger, there was a sense amongst gender and sexuality diverse individuals that you needed the anonymity of the big city to feel safe being yourself,” she said.
Details: www.blackappletheatre.com or www.midsumma.org.au
