In an audacious move, Joanna Murray-Smith imagines the inner life of former Prime Minister Julia Gillard in the days, months and years leading up to her famous 'misogyny speech' in her new play Julia. Jane Albert talks to the internationally acclaimed Australian playwright, director Sarah Goodes and actor Justine Clarke about the one-woman drama.

Justine Clarke in Julia
Justine Clarke in Julia. Photo © Rene Vaile. Julia Gillard. Photo © Samuel Cooper, National Library of Australia nla.obj-132074387

In June 2021, Joanna Murray-Smith sat down with Sydney Theatre Company Artistic Director Kip Williams for what she describes as “a full and frank conversation, sparked by me”. The acclaimed Australian playwright was increasingly unhappy that her work hadn’t been performed at the...