OBSERVER: Super at Red Stitch


Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre opens Wednesday, June 18, with Super, a new work by playwright, essayist and poet, Emilie Collyer (Dream Home, Promise).
Under the direction of acclaimed theatre maker Emma Valente (Co-Artistic Director of The Rabble), this wonderfully original play is a witty and genre-defying ride into the world of two women with superpowers.
Featuring Red Stitch ensemble member Caroline Lee, alongside Lucy Ansell (Force of Nature: The Dry 2, Strife) and First Nations actor Laila Thaker (Five Bedrooms, Wentworth), the show follows Phoenix and Nel, two friends who take a lot of care and do a lot of good.
But when celebrity chef Rae arrives at one of their weekly support meetings, she turns their world upside down. As they transform from stealth crusaders to global superstars their powers escalate beyond control. Until it isn’t.
Described as ‘a hilarious and poignant exploration of power, care, and friendship, Super has been developed over several years and commissioned by Red Stitch through its INK program.
Shortlisted for the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award, the play interrogates what it means to care in a world that commodifies compassion and measures worth by productivity.
Previews: June 11-17; Season: June 18 – July 6. Tues., Wed. and Sun., 6.30pm, Wed. June 18, Thurs.-Sat., 7.30pm. Matinees (June 19 and 25, 12 Noon and July 5, 2pm)
Q&A’s Post Show Wed. June 25, Thurs. June 19, 26 .
Cheryl Threadgold

Pictured: Caroline Lee in Super at Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre.
Photo: Cameron Grant, Parentheses.