Stella: A New Australian Musical
Ian Potter Center for Performing Art
A homestead interior, mountains rising out of the horizon and sparse furniture as we meet Stella Miles Franklin, a young girl with dreams of being more than what is assigned to her at birth. She writes, sings and fills her head with dreams as we are introduced to the girl that will one day pen one of the most important works in literary history.
Stella Miles Franklin ( Geraldine Hakewill) – or Miles Franklin as she was known, was a feminist, author and a woman of incredible courage that lived a life less than ordinary. She was a pioneer, and a woman that published her first novel My Brilliant Career at the age of just 22, Franklin was an inspiration.
From a young age we see Stella dreaming about a life that is more than just marriage and babies, she wants to explore the world and like the dragons she dreams of she wants to fly and leave the Brindabella behind. With her supportive Pa (Joe Kosky) and her skeptical mother (Johanna Allen) she flies like mythical dragon to drink in all that life has to offer. Stella’s sister Linda (Shubshri Kandiah) is the complete opposite, marrying and moving to Queensland. Kaya Byrne (Norman, Edwin) takes on multiple roles with ease, switching from brother to lover with a simple on stage costume change. The skill of the cast switching between roles – often on stage is exceptional and never detracts from the story.
Set designer Nick Fry has kept the set design rather minimal, mountain rangers silhouetted against an ever changing sky, sparse furniture and grass representing the homestead of her childhood. This works to keep us in the story, the minimalist set and cast portraying multiple characters works exceptionally well. It puts the viewer right into the Brindabella, a harsh environment where she dreamed of a bigger life, with the lighting complimenting the set perfectly to convey mood. As difference countries and landscapes unfold, the mountains remain constant throughout.
The music has an authentic jazz vibe ,working in well to the prose, adding to the story effectively. Each song works well to fit into the narrative, performed expertly by the cast. As the life of Stella unfolds, the music shapes her story and we get an insight to a woman that lived and incredibly remarkable life.
The story of Stella Miles Franklin is one that is is bold, brave and incredibly inspiring. In a landscape where not enough stories of women that paved the way are being told, Stella is a breath of fresh air. Stella Miles Franklin lived a remarkable life and her story was crying out to be told- this beautiful musical does it so well. Director Julia Robertson and writer Monique Dimattina have done and exceptional job breathing life into one of histories most remarkable women.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five Stars
