24 February – 6 March 2021
2020 REPROGRAM
Wanna laugh-cry at the absurdity of the world we live in? Me too!
During these strange pandemic times, we aim for a new poetry of the voice and body that will smash assumptions about the way we see ourselves. We’re Probably Really Really Happy Right Now, written by actor/writer Ellen Grimshaw, is a highly original play that defies categorisation. This high octane premiere production rips apart the madness of a culture soaked in ludicrous toxicities ranging from Tall Poppy Syndrome to misogyny, and violence to destructive power dynamics. Seven of Melbourne’s finest actors, under talented Sarah Vickery’s confident direction, play multiple personas that just want to be free to express themselves – only no one gives a shit. What do you have to say right now to be heard? What do you have to do to be seen?
Inspired by personal experience, performance art, Commedia Dell’arte and experimental dance choreography, We’re Probably Really Really Happy Right Now liberates from gender binaries, social compliance, and self-restraint; an incendiary reaction to absurd notions of happiness and conformity. Oh, and it’s oh so very out of order…
A hilarious, satirical, wildly ambitious piece of postmodern theatre, as part of Theatre Works 2021 season that is not to be missed!
"Ellen has a willingness to try anything at script level and it's really thrilling."
KEITH GOW ON "JUST US GIRLS - WHAT’S A GIRL?"
"Absurdist stream-of-consciousness mix of #MeToo meets dada by way of cultural theory, poetry and vaudeville."
STAGE WHISPERS ON "JUST US GIRLS - WHAT’S A GIRL?"
“A post truth surrealist journey using performance body art in the footsteps of the work of Maria Abramovic."
WHAT DID SHE THINK? ON "JUST US GIRLS - WHAT’S A GIRL?"
DURATION
70 minutes no interval
WARNINGS (18+)
Adult Themes | Coarse Language | Smoking on Stage | Drug and Alcohol Abuse Reference/Use | Reference to sexual harassment/assault | Physical violence | Misogynistic Commentary
Although done in a way which intends to empower victims; sensitive racial, sexual and misogynistic commentary/issues are discussed which could be triggering for some audience members.
AUSLAN INTERPRETED PERFORMANCES
Due to unforeseen circumstances our Auslan interpreted performances are unable to be interpreted. Captioning still remains the same for all performances.
Each show of the WPRRHRN season will have open captions.
Written by
ELLEN GRIMSHAW
Directed by
SARAH VICKERY
Assistant Director
DASHA 97'
Creative Access Consultant
JO DUNBAR
Lighting Designer
GABE BETHUNE
Stage Manager
KAITE HEAD
Assistant Stage Manager
CLAUDIA HOWARTH
Dramaturg
JINGHUA QIAN
Costume & Set Designer
BETHANY J FELLOWS
Produced by
ELLEN GRIMSHAW, KAITE HEAD, PSA CO.
Performed by
ANJELICA ANGWIN, HENRY KELLY, HANNAH LAGUDAH, ROMAINE MCSWEENEY, VIVIAN NGUYEN, ALEXANDER THEW, YUCHEN WANG
Photo by
COLIN MONEYMAKER
Artwork by
SARAH VICKERY
