Rachael Beck’s new show In Her Own Words is not about Beck herself, but about 16 high-achieving Australian women from the arts, science, politics, sport and commerce, each with an inspiring story to tell.

Rachael Beck in her new show In Her Own Words. Photo © Jacquie Manning

Conceived by Beck and actor/writer James Millar, the show is a cross between cabaret and verbatim theatre. Having interviewed the women over the course of six months, Beck devotes a “chapter” to each of them, telling their story in their own words, mostly through monologue, but sometimes with song as well and, in the case of choreographer Kelley Abbey, with movement.

Photographs and video footage (lighting and video design by Aron Murray) are shown on a screen at the back of the stage to help illustrate their story.

In Her Own Words begins with a recording of First Nations actor and singer Ursula Yovich talking about her own life. From there, Beck takes up the storytelling.

We hear how Ronni Kahn was inspired to establish the charity OzHarvest; how Louise Sauvage became a gold medal-winning Paralympian; how Ita Buttrose established Cleo and became a...