Somebody's Daughter Theatre is hoping to tour NSW in 1999.
SDT is a unique Australian ensemble made up of women who have a history of imprisonment or are still in the prison system. Their productions are acclaimed for their balance of passion, guts and skill, developed by their award-winning director, Maud Clark.
The women in SDT belong to one of the most disadvantaged and marginalised groups in Australia. They have been thoroughly institutionalised, their self-esteem is often rock bottom, more often than not they are victims of incest and physical abuse, and nearly all have a history of drug addiction. The difficulties in adjusting to and finding a place in a hostile society are too often overwhelming.
The women are united through the life experiences that led them to prison, and the experience of imprisonment — the sense of powerlessness and becoming "faceless", and the consequent alienation and inadequacy they feel upon release.
All know the post-release difficulties of being labelled, finding accommodation and work, gaining access to children, re-establishing relationships and overcoming addiction.
When Clark first began to work with prisoners in Fairlea Women's Prison in Victoria in 1980, she unearthed a potent mix of creativity and talent, matched with hard experience. This evolved into SDT, which now has 18 years of productions, inside Fairlea and in more traditional theatre venues, under its belt.
Using drama and song, the company speaks to us loudly about the issues of drugs, separation, suicide, crime, sexuality and abuse.
The words and songs in their productions reverberate with powerful stories of life inside and outside of prison, brimming with raw energy, vitality and black humour. Amid the bleaker depictions of prison life radiate tales of real friendship, a code of honour and an enormous collective will to survive that enthrals and inspires audiences.
Their performance Tell Her that I Love Her was placed on the Victorian Schools List in 1993 and 1998. It follows the character of Jess as she leaves prison and is confronted with the choices she must make if she is to leave the drug world behind. Eighty-five to 90% of women in Victorian prisons are incarcerated because of drug offences.
In Sacred Promise, six women arrive at the Cosmic Laundromat, where the high laundress must walk with each through the shadows to find their future. We step into a courtroom, a casino, an underfunded community agency and the streets of St Kilda as characters deal with murder, domestic violence, government cynicism, death and broken promises.
SDT is looking for expressions of interest and support from individuals, groups and communities who would like to see them in NSW in 1999. If you are interested in helping to organise a performance, contact Somebody's Daughter Theatre at 97a Ashworth St, Albert Park 3206; phone (03) 9699 5961; fax (03) 9690 8660; or e-mail <daughters@one.net.au>.