Bound For Botany Bay (Press, 19 October 1988)

The Elmwood Players are set to open their latest production, "Female Transport," tonight, showcasing an Australian theme. Written by Australian playwright Steve Gooch, the play explores the lives of six female convicts en route to Botany Bay. The characters include a variety of individuals: a bold pickpocket, two prostitutes with different levels of experience, a rebellious woman charged for assaulting the law, an older lesbian who manipulates the unemployed, and a sixth woman reluctantly taking on the role of the matron. The story follows five of these women as they arrive in the blinding sunshine of Sydney, depicting their shared experiences of close confinement, each affected in different ways by their harsh environment. The director, Doug Clarke, describes the play as having coarse dialogue with themes of savagery, rebellion, apathy, and despair. The cast includes Sonya Williams as Charlotte, Erolia Ifopo as Sarah, Justine Whitaker as Winnie, Alison James as Nance, Sandra Wilson as Pitty, Amanda Shields as Madge, Paul Burns as Tommy, John Howden as the Captain, Douglas Shields as the Surgeon, and Steven Murray as the Sergeant. This production replaces the anticipated show "Oh What a Lovely War," which was dropped due to casting issues. Doug Clarke is familiar with "Female Transport," having directed it previously in 1975. The play will run for ten nights from the opening tonight until 29 October, with performances on October 22, but excluding Monday, 23 October. In a notable change, the Elmwood Playhouse has undergone renovations to transform it into a more intimate setting with tiered seating and a lower stage, marking a departure from its traditional theatre layout. This renovation was part of the Elmwood Players' celebration of their fortieth anniversary, which included redecorating the venue and installing new heating. The Elmwood Playhouse, originally a Sunday School hall, has a rich history of hosting a diverse range of productions over the last four decades, including various dramas, comedies, modern classics, and New Zealand premieres. The extensive rebuilding efforts required significant volunteer work and have enhanced both the technical capabilities and the foyer of the theatre.

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