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[title]Redfern, 1966. Three First Nations young women are gearing up for the biggest night of the year: the Deb Ball. As far as Cheryl, Lulu and Queenie are concerned, life is good – even if jobs are precarious, and police harassment and racism are hiding around every corner. But they aren’t aware that their lives, their neighbourhood, and the whole country are about to change.
Big Girls Don’t Cry is a witty and heartfelt new play that offers a glimpse into the lives of First Nations women in the 1960s who were looking for more. Playwright and Gumbaynggirr/Wiradjuri woman Dalara Williams – who also stars in this premiere production at Belvoir St Theatre – was inspired by her grandmothers, who were part of the Aboriginal civil rights movement that paved the way for Indigenous women today.
“Why should people come and see the show? To see another aspect of Aboriginal life, one that we never get a chance to tell,” says Williams. “Just black joy and black love amongst friends, amongst siblings, amongst romantic partners.”
Directed by Ian Michael (STC’s Picnic at Hanging Rock), the stacked cast of seven also includes the talents of Megan Wilding (The Rover, The Seagull, A Little Piece of Ash) Stephanie Somerville (Stolen), Bryn Chapman Parish (Netflix's Heartbreak High) , Mathew Cooper (Coranderrk), Nic English (Outhouse Theatre Co’s Consent) and Guy Simon (Jacky).
Big Girls Don’t Cry is playing at Belvoir St Theatre until April 27, 2025. Tickets start from $41, and you can grab yours here.