Eumundi Voice - Issue 105, 31 October 2024

ART ABOUT

Ladies in Black show resilience and empowerment

WWII saw women take on many traditional male roles while men were away fighting. However, peacetime saw them relegated to restricted prewar roles such as domestics, shop assistants, secretaries, nurses or teachers until they married, becoming non-working wives and mothers.

Ladies in Black – the enchanting musical coming to Noosa Arts Theatre in November – transports audiences to the 1950s when Australia saw women demanding ownership of their lives, the right to work, have a bank account, and to be treated as equal to men.

Adapted from Madeleine St John’s novel, the brilliant musical score and clever storyline follows a group of ladies working in a Sydney Department store who struggle to overcome gender, cultural, social class and other prejudices of this period, which are still felt by some today.

Ladies in Black explores diversity and cultural identity, including that of European immigrants, who despite adding so much refreshing vitality,

faced bigoted prejudice as they fought for acceptance for the diversity they brought.

The lively, jazz-infused soundtrack enhances the storyline as the audience follows the characters’ journeys and emotions.

Director Ian Mackellar said, “The music serves as a celebration of resilience – a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, there is room for joy, ambition and hope.”

Ian is the dynamic force responsible for bringing international and Australian stars to Noosa. He has directed numerous wonderful shows and his performance as Fagan in Oliver! at Noosa Arts Theatre was brilliant.

Much loved performers Cristina Rose and Brandt McRitchie have starred in many productions. Now Cristina returns to play ‘Mrs Mills’, sharing the stage with talented daughter Sienna as ‘Lisa’. With her perfect pitch voice, Sienna has been performing and delighting audiences since she was 3yo. The large cast features several fresh faces alongside Noosa favourites including Margaret Courtney – the creator of the wonderful wardrobe.

Ian said, “Ladies in Black is not merely an entertainment experience. It is an invitation to engage with history, celebrate diversity, and appreciate the resilience of women through generations. The fight for equality and recognition is ongoing, inspiring audiences to take action and advocate for themselves and others.”

Ladies in Black is not to be missed! Tickets: noosaartstheatre.org.au or phone 07 5449 9343 10am-2pm, Tuesday to Friday. Eileen Walder