The Amazing Lucas Girls
From the pen of director and writer Cate Whittaker comes The Amazing Lucas Girls, a play that breathes life into the courageous and inspiring true story of the Ballarat Lucas factory girls at E. Lucas & Co. Pty Ltd. This firm designed and manufactured women's clothing during the dark days of WWI.
Set against a nation embroiled in war, The Amazing Lucas Girls blends the unity, courage, and hope of a group of factory women. It beautifully captures the women's indomitable spirit, uniting to confront adversities threatening their community. \
As the men of Ballarat rush to join the war effort, Clara (Amy Joyce) fears the worst when her betrothed Wilf (Flynn Barnard) and brother Frank sign up. Those fears are confirmed and she loses both men to the trenches.
With the town suffering terrible losses, Clara is tired of feeling helpless. She transitions from a young, lovestruck girl into a fearless leader and rallies the Lucas Girls to march with Vida Goldstein’s (Casey Martin) Peace Army, valiantly opposing conscription and finding her purpose and strength.
Meanwhile, the compassionate heart of Tilly (Jo Booth), Clara’s older sister, spearheads a remarkable initiative with the factory girls. As the manager of production and a staff of 250 women, she raises funds to plant saplings, creating a living memorial to honour the bravery of every man and woman serving and helping a town grieve. This became Ballarat's Avenue of Honour (with 3912 trees) and the Arch of Victory, which the Prince of Wales unveiled in June 1920. This poignant love and remembrance offers solace and unity to families in despair, symbolising a community’s ability to heal and thrive against all odds.
As the indomitable Tilly Thompson, Booth stands out with her vivacity, humour, and boundless energy. At the same time, Joyce brings out Clara's determination and tugs at our empathy, portraying the embodiment of strength during societal turmoil. Two sisters and two very different but equally striking performances.
The ensemble, apart from Liz Grindley as Mildred, weaves in and out of real and fictional characters with Andrea Blight as Mary and Lady Sommers, Gerry Mullaly as Jimmy and Stanley, Nicholas Papademetriou as Mayor and Corporal Stevens and Casey Martin also playing Mavis. The ensemble also provide haunting melodies side stage as Whittaker introduces some well-known war music sung a cappella.
Visually, the stage is a living portrait of early 20th-century Australia, with period-appropriate costumes by Susan Cavanagh and simple furnishings that transport audiences to a time of profound change and hope. The direction maintains a steady pace, ensuring that moments of tension and joy resonate with equal impact. Lighting Designer Mehran Mortezaei’s warmly lit stage compliments the feeling of home.
As part of the HerStory festival, the play explores untold stories of women who faced societal chaos with formidable courage. The Amazing Lucas Girls challenges historical tales that often overlook women's pivotal roles in shaping societal progress by giving voice to their forgotten resilience. It is a celebration of women's historical contributions usually hidden from view. The audience enthusiastically applauded and was left with admiration and a renewed appreciation for the power of solidarity and courage.
Cate Whittaker’s compelling script creates a memorable theatrical experience. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, hope and unity can forge the brightest legacies.
Nicole Smith
Photographer: Robert Miniter
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