My Brilliant Career Musical Returns: A Feminist Triumph Tours Australia
The celebrated musical adaptation of Stella Miles Franklin's 1901 novel, My Brilliant Career, has made a triumphant return to the stage. After a successful premiere in Melbourne last year, the production is now embarking on a national tour, captivating audiences with its fearless feminist narrative and innovative performances.
Kala Gare Embraces the Role of Sybylla
Kala Gare, the star of the show, reflects on portraying the headstrong character Sybylla Melvyn. "Sybylla's so fearless. Playing that eight times a week, it does seep into the soul," Gare shares. She notes the demanding schedule, where life outside the role is minimal, with days off spent recovering and preparing. However, Gare is optimistic about finding more personal space during this tour.
Gare's performance has been praised for its astonishing range and power, bringing Sybylla's journey to life. She credits director Anne-Louise Sarks for allowing creative freedom, even incorporating a spontaneous cartwheel into the show. "I was given a lot of freedom," Gare says, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind the production.
Innovative Actor-Musician Ensemble
A unique aspect of this musical is its cast of ten actor-musicians who perform the score live on stage, with some instruments strapped to their bodies. Musical director Victoria Falconer, an expert in this form, explains the challenges and rewards. "There is a very specific kind of human that can do it," she says, describing the complex cross-rhythms involved in singing, playing, and dancing simultaneously.
Falconer emphasises that when actor-musician shows work, they create a sonic cohesion and dramatic synthesis rarely seen in traditional theatre. "You are seeing people operate at the zenith of their creativity," she adds, praising the ensemble's impressive skills.
Creative Collaboration and Feminist Themes
Composer Matthew Frank, along with collaborators Dean Bryant and Sheridan Harbridge, crafted a "mix-tape" score that blends pub rock, bush folk, and musical theatre ballads. The music is designed to be playable while allowing for full character development, as Falconer notes: "It has to be manageable enough for the people to run around and also give us a full and nuanced character."
Director Anne-Louise Sarks highlights the production's kinetic energy, which is evident from the moment audiences enter the theatre. "I think you can feel process in a final show, and this process was very playful and organic, and sometimes a little bit mad," she says. The creative team has unlocked deeper, more open-ended feminist themes in the novel, moving beyond simple self-actualisation to explore humility and self-sacrifice.
Sarks prefers a feminism that is complex and questioning. "Ultimately, if feminism is to succeed, it is in a deeper recognition of the humanity in each other," she explains. Gare adds that Sybylla's journey involves recognising the value in others' stories, leading to personal growth and courage.
Tour Details and National Impact
The musical is currently running at MTC's Southbank Theatre in Melbourne until 23 February, with upcoming stops at Canberra Theatre from 7 to 15 March, Sydney Theatre Company's Roslyn Packer Theatre from 21 March to 26 April, and Illawarra Performing Arts Centre in Wollongong from 8 to 17 May. This tour brings a modern, feminist interpretation of a classic Australian novel to audiences across the country, offering a powerful message of fearlessness and responsibility.
As Gare concludes, "Show up scared, show up without the answers, but show up. I feel like she's given me enormous courage." This sentiment resonates throughout the production, making My Brilliant Career a must-see theatrical experience.
