On 9 August, 1954, Sydney model Shirley Beiger shot her two-timing boyfriend in the face. In a sensational trial, she was found not guilty of murder. Elissa Blake discusses the case with writer-director Sheridan Harbridge whose play, A Model Murder, commissioned by Sydney Festival, premieres at Darlinghurst Courthouse – where Beiger’s real trial took place.

A Model Murder
A promotional image for the play A Model Murder, which has its world premiere at the Sydney Festival. Photo courtesy of Sydney Festival

Sydney’s Darlinghurst Courthouse has seen all kinds of drama in its 150 years. The massive Greek Revival structure adjacent to Taylor Square, built in part by convict work gangs, housed Australia’s High Court until it moved to Canberra in 1980. Over the decades, it has hosted...