By Kishor Napier-Raman and Stephen Brook
Call it the Julia Gillard paradox. As time passes from her days in The Lodge, and the nation’s first female prime minister goes about her post-political life without the self-indulgent histrionics displayed by certain other former leaders, so too does Gillard’s stock rise among Australians.
Julia Gillard (right) with Justine Clarke, who plays the former prime minister on stage.
Gillard’s famous misogyny speech, thoroughly dismissed by much of the Canberra press gallery at the time, has become one of those signature moments in Australian political history.
And that speech, still viral, relevant and powerful, forms the core of a one-woman play starring Justine Clarke as PM27 which has wowed political tragics during its runs in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Clarke and Gillard received standing ovations at the end of the performance on Saturday night.
But as CBD reported in June, Gillard hadn’t even seen the show. A far cry from Paul Keating, who watched Keating! The Musical several times. Still, odds were on that Gillard, who spends much time in London, would finally see the show during its Adelaide run at the Dunstan Playhouse.
But performances came and went, and while the likes of Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Trade Minister Don Farrell and Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young appeared at Adelaide’s State Theatre, there was no sign of Gillard.
Until closing night, on Saturday, when the former prime minister finally attended and received a standing ovation, alongside Clarke, whose mimicry of Gillard has thrilled audiences.
The theatre’s artistic director, Mitchell Butel, and executive director, Julian Hobba, said having Gillard in the crowd was “a truly special moment”.
“It was a true honour to have the former prime minister attend our closing of Julia. The sold-out season of this theatrical exploration of the incredible and important legacy of Ms Gillard has resonated so strongly with our audiences, as has Justine Clarke’s portrayal.”
Gillard, who attended the show with some close family and friends, told CBD that “Justine Clarke’s remarkable talent shines in the performance”.
The play returns to the Sydney Opera House stage this week. The Real Julia, meanwhile, continues to do her thing, without any need to court the limelight.
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