Joanna Murray-Smith’s critically acclaimed play, Julia, is making return to Melbourne in 2025 for a strictly limited run.
After a triumphant national tour, which saw more than 100,000 people captivated by Justine Clarke’s transformative portrayal of Australia’s first female Prime Minister, the production is back for a limited season at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse from 25 June 2025
Directed by Helpmann Award-winner Sarah Goodes, Julia offers a nuanced and powerful look at Julia Gillard’s rise to leadership and the cultural moment that immortalised her: the iconic 2012 ‘misogyny speech.’
Clarke’s performance has been lauded as “electrifying” and “astonishingly restrained” delivering a deeply personal exploration of Gillard’s journey while spotlighting the challenges women face in contemporary politics.
This one-woman monologue dives into Gillard’s public and private life, tracing her triumphs, struggles, and ultimate legacy. Featuring verbatim excerpts from her speech that reverberated worldwide, Julia is as much a theatrical triumph as it is a poignant commentary on gender and power.
Julia plays at Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse from 25 June-19 July 2025. Tickets available from Thursday 19 December 2024 at artscentremelbourne.com.au
