JULIA is a powerful and gripping solo work performed by one of Australia's leading contemporary dancer's, Natalie Allen, co-created with director Sally Richardson and an exciting team of collaborators.

 …And I say to the Leader of the Opposition I will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man. I will not. And the Government will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man. Not now, not ever…and if he wants to know what misogyny looks like in modern Australia, he doesn't need a motion in the House of Representatives, he needs a mirror. That's what he needs (PM Julia Gillard, 2012)

Drawn from the parliamentary record, media reportage and public commentary around the political leadership of Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, this show directly reflects on Gillard’s story. Positioned in a form of ‘public’ gallery, the mood is one of intimacy and exposure. Lighting and sound, a blend of sampled voice, news bite and original composition, recreate both the world of Gillard and the media circus she was a part of. Allen dances in and around the audience, every move she makes, every gesture is visible. A timely and compelling portrait that reflects on female leadership, personality, power and the body politic. An "unmissable" dynamic dance theatre performance. ‍

...It is a delicate thing, mixing art with politics. However, the themes in JULIA are far broader than one woman’s experience, making the performance entirely relatable. This is thoughtful and unapologetic, a truly fine creation. (Dance Australia)

JULIA is accessible dance theatre that doesn’t shy away from the politics and the story. In a post #metoo world, and with the full support of Gillard’s post-prime ministerial office, we have access to Gillard's words which Natalie brings to life through her daring physicality and dynamic theatricality to create a dramatic live portrait of one of Australia’s feminist heroines.

Sally Richardson is one of the country’s finest creative collaborators, a compassionate and imaginative powerhouse who draws truth and power from all who have the privilege of working with her. She is creating Julia with the wonderful Natalie Allen, a dancer whose synthesizing of the dramatic and the physical makes her one of the most sought-after performers both here and overseas. Rarely has a work been so timely nor so necessary as Julia is in 2021 – an enraging reminder of the generational and institutional failures of our political class. It’s a must-see work. (Iain Grandage - Artistic Director Perth Festival)

World class performer Natalie Allen transforms, she’s no longer Julia Gillard, she’s every woman. Powerful and defiant (Out in Perth)

'Cream of the Crop' 2021 - Nina Levy (Seesaw Magazine)

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Audience Engagement - in conversation

The work offers an exciting engagement as we reach out to local women, business, community and leadership groups. With each performance, in a hosted conversation, we invite women of all ages from business, arts, politics and sport to reflect on their experience, role and influence within their communities.

It has never been more important to continue to advocate to change the status quo and actively support women's leadership and female empowerment.

If you are interested in finding out more about JULIA, please reach out to our Creative Producer Libby Klysz at libbyklysz@gmail.com