STRIP (NWF Reading)

STRIP is a play about ambition and identity. Set in Sydney in 2010, it follows Victoria, a young politician. Dominic, her ruthless political adviser, is leading her through the minefield towards preselection for the next safe seat, while Lily, a Burlesque veteran, is coaching her to win a national burlesque competition. Victoria is convinced that the two worlds can co-exist, but she is forced to compromise in both when they start to clash. The play is a comment on feminism and the expectations of females in politics. We have seen time and time again female politicians being slut shamed for having a past that may not align with mainstream Australia's ideals and values. The idea for the play came from the experiences of women in professional careers like teaching and law who have hobbies on the side that others might consider deviant in nature, like pole dancing or burlesque. It's centred around a politician who is just about to become very successful and, as a public figure, if anyone found out about her life in burlesque it would be absolutely devastating for her political career. We see women in politics constantly unfairly judged (Gladys Berejiklian, Georgie Percell) for having any kind of sexual existence outside of their political life. The play addresses female oppression and double standards.

Team: Clara Klemski (playwright), Hilary Bell (dramaturg), Hannah Raven (performer), Sarah Jane Star (performer), Oliver Burton (performer), David Halgren (performer) 

Run Time: ~45 minutes

Content Warnings: There are discussions of miscarriage and the subject of abortion, as well as descriptions of sexual harassment