The first Voices of Women event began in 2018 as The Monologue Adventure, a writing competition with performances, based on the pillars of creative community engagement and the exciting intersect between professionals, emerging artists, and non-professionals. The Adventure was committed to allowing all women writers to take part, with audience immersion performances in unique and unusual venues.
The Monologue Adventure called out to all experienced and non-experienced writers from all communities, including culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTI communities and people living with disabilities. The invitation was to submit unpublished monologues to be read and performed by emerging and established actors.
An amazing 84 monologues were submitted, with the final selection to be sent on their own journey in performances were held over three evenings by five emerging and experienced actors and performing artists. The performances were held at Studio MV (Moorambilla Voices creative space) on Parramatta Road in Stanmore.
Above: Hasitha Adhikariarachchi, Bellatrix Scott, Lea Riley, Meg Clarke.
THE ACTORS
WRITERS
BEGINNINGS
The Carrot: Kerry Fair, Walcha NSW
SECRETS
My Secret Affair with Dame Edna: M.J. Reidy, The Entrance, NSW
Leviticus: Siobhan Colman, Blacktown, NSW
How Not to Confess: Michiko Parnell, Perth, WA
Shock Treatment: Lliane Clarke, Sydney NSW
LONGINGS
The Greyhound, the Dark-Bearded Man and the Wind:
Hasitha Adhikariarachchi, Meadowbank, NSW
The Cold Streak: Emma Graham, Newcastle NSW
My Empty Embrace: Rebecca Ryall, Nimbin, NSW
Picture Perfect: Maura Pierlot, Canberra ACT
Tonight’s Performance: You’ve Definitely Got Rabies:
Ashley Kalaigan-Blunt, Sydney, NSW
TRIUMPHS
The Year of the Dog: Susan Francis, Newcastle NSW
The Boy from the Bus: Jude Bridge, Perth WA
Stage Fright: Britnie Jasmine-Johnston, Melbourne VIC
ENDINGS
Cup in Hand: Anne Casey, Sydney NSW
What they said:
“The Monologue Adventure: Voices of Women in 2018 was a great success. Not only did it bring the work of emerging and established writers to new audiences, but it enlivened and strengthened the works by having professional actors perform them. Creating fresh and innovative ways for people to engage with new work is essential to a thriving literary community: The Monologue Adventure does this.” Julia Tsalis, Writing NSW.
“Having worked in media and publishing for more than 25 years, but only emerging as a creative writer, I am extremely grateful to have been selected to be part of The Monologue Adventure. From both perspectives, I feel this initiative offers writers a truly unique opportunity to have their work showcased by professional actors in a vibrant and innovative setting. This is a particularly important undertaking at a time when there is growing acknowledgment of the underrepresentation of women’s voices in the arts, both in Australia and internationally.” Anne Casey, Poet
SUPPORTERS
The Monologue Adventure 2018 was grateful for the support of Studio MV, Moorambilla Voices and the NSW Writers Centre and Outback Arts.
