Take a trip through time in play's powerful stories celebrating regional women

In the mission to empower women in a safe, supportive space for sharing their unique stories and creativity, Wagga Wagga audiences are invited to an exceptional theatrical experience.

Presented by Voices of Women, The Curious Rabbit, Wagga Wagga City Council and Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Women of the Riverina will be performed on Friday, 6 December.

Women of the Riverina spans from the ancient past to the bustling present, featuring stories written by women from the region through workshops, mentoring, and community outreach.

Sit by the ancient Wollundry Lagoon with Aunty Cheryl, have a drink with one of Wagga’s few female pub owners, Selina O’Hara, grab a bargain at Best and Less with recent refugee Roz, dance with the high school ghosts of Tarcutta Hall, and remember to bottle your fruit for the national larder.

“We’ve collected eight stories ranging from the ancient Wiradjuri connection to Wollundry Lagoon,” said Lliane Clarke, artistic director of Voices of Women and co-producer of this year’s play.

“We then go through the turn of the century, working with the Wagga Council historian, where we came upon this fabulous group of women who ran pubs at the turn of the century.”

Lliane said the show would take the audience on a journey through wartime, refugee women’s stories, and the experiences of young women dealing with mental health issues.

She said one character was based on two women, Ma Carmody and Selina Stockton, and focused on her life and the violence around the start of the 20th century.

“She’s got a great sense of humour and she’s a bold character running her racecourse pub around the turn of the century,” Lliane said.

“And then we go through the war years … a couple of women talk about bottling fruit and the hard work they did for the war effort.

“Women were expected to raise the kids, school them, run the farms, and pickle onions and peaches in jars.

“And we explore stories of refugees and young women facing challenges today, including anxiety, fear, and insecurity.”

The director said the overarching theme was a sense of resilience and survival, achieved through connection and sharing.

Co-producer Aunty Cheryl Penrith said that, as an actor, she was excited about this year’s play.

“This is my third year with Voices of Women … who would have thought I’d be on stage and acting at this stage of my life,” she said.

“I’ve been encouraging people to come because the more you get up and talk in front of people, the more confidence you get.

“And it’s really important to empower women.”

Aunty Cheryl said it was vital for women to tell their own stories.

“It’s important for us to tell our stories, to imagine ourselves as something different, and to put ourselves in other people’s shoes,” she said.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for all of us to have a go.”

Co-producer Vickie Birkinshaw said it was exciting that the performances would be in both Sydney and Wagga.

“It’s important that our Sydney audiences get to understand the voices of regional women and unpack as an audience the things that are different but also the same,” she said.

“Inherently, we share challenges, struggles, and humour.

“We go through things as women, collectively and individually. And there are some beautifully unique things about the voices of the Riverina.

“There are also experiences that the audience will relate to, and the power of storytelling is that we are sharing stories that are universal.”

Women of the Riverina will be performed at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery on Friday, 6 December, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Click here to secure your ticket.