Next Thursday, September 7, the world premiere of a brand new show is making its way to Riverside.
Created by siblings Josipa Draisma, Sime Kneževic and Mara Kneževic, and presented by PYT Fairfield and In Wild Company, ‘The Hen House’ is a light-hearted, musical and story-rich homage to migrant female factory workers during the ‘70s, inspired by the lived experience of the trio’s late grandmother.
The show is directed by Sydney Theatre Award-winner Anthea Williams, and features original music by Zeljko Papic, inspired by 1970s Australian pub rock.
Founder and Creative Director of In Wild Company, Josipa Draisma said that the show couldn’t be more important in educating viewers about the time and experiences of those who lived it.
“Celebrating the lives of migrant women of my grandmother’s generation is an important part of recognising the impact these women made, paving the way for opportunities and livelihoods for many including myself to this very day,” she said.
“‘The Hen House’ advocates for audiences to experience these stories as extraordinary ‘herstory’ and invites us to see migrant women in a very different way – ambitious, capable, and resilient.”
Following the world premiere at Riverside, ‘The Hen House’ will tour to Camden Civic Centre from September 13, Orange Civic Centre on September 16, the Art House Wyong on September 20 and the Concourse Pavilion Chatswood on September 22.
‘The Hen House’ will be on at Riverside Theatres from Thursday, September 7 to Saturday, September 9. Tickets start at $46. For more information or to book, visit riversideparramatta.com.au.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.