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AFLW's Untold Story Hits Stage in Brisbane
5 Sep
Summary
- Play 'Strong is the New Pretty' premieres at Brisbane Festival.
- It fictionalizes the true story of the AFLW's creation and struggles.
- The production highlights ongoing sexism and misogyny in sports.
The world premiere of Suzie Miller's "Strong is the New Pretty" at the Brisbane Festival offers a lightly fictionalized account of the AFL Women's League (AFLW) journey. Coming on the heels of recent allegations of sexism and misogyny within the AFL, the play's themes resonate strongly with contemporary issues.
The production dramatizes the efforts of pioneering women like AFL Commissioner Sam Mostyn, represented as lawyer Alison Newtown, and Jan Cooper as Jane Hooper, in establishing the AFLW. It also features a sports reporter character, Susannah Knowles, inspired by journalist Samantha Lane.
Miller's brisk 80-minute play, structured in five chapters, depicts the early struggles against sexism faced by these women, leading up to the pivotal 2015 exhibition match and the 2017 inaugural competition game. The narrative emphasizes the league's commercial viability and eventual triumph.
Directed by Sarah Giles, the play uses a heightened, satirical tone with elements of live sound, dance breaks, and physical comedy. The cast of eight all-female performers embody various roles, including fictionalized Adelaide Crows players and a chorus of male figures representing opposition.
While the play celebrates the achievements of the AFLW founders, its triumphant conclusion offers a somewhat simplified view of the ongoing challenges. Issues such as pay equity, persistent sexism, and racism within the sport remain areas for future progress, as the play concludes on what feels like a well-earned victory lap.
