Monument
by Emily Sheehan directed by Ella Caldwell
9 August - 3 September 2023
Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre
Melbourne
20 February - 10 March 2024
Return season by popular demand
Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre, Melbourne
★ ★ ★ ★
“Monument is first-class writing.”
- Arts Hub -
★ ★ ★ ★
“Contemporary politics is expertly skewered in this ambitious, flawlessly performed two-hander.”
- Limelight Magazine -
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“A masterful work that intricately balances humour and poignancy.”
- On the House -
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I was amazed by how naturally Sheehan writes.”
- Lilitha Reviews -
ABOUT THE SHOW
Edith Aldridge is the youngest woman to be elected leader of her country. In a lush presidential suite in a heritage listed hotel, she has just ninety minutes to get ready for the biggest day of her life. Enter Rosie, a twenty-two year old makeup artist from the David Jones counter, sent to help Edith get camera ready. In Rosie’s capable hands, this morning will be a breeze. So long as they both stick to the brief.
Sheehan's astute and entertaining script challenges the trivialisation of beauty therapy, exploring the role that makeup and fashion play in how we perceive and receive women in power.
2022 Finalist Max Afford Playwrights Award
Monument was developed through Red Stitch’s INK program.
Cast and creatives
Writer Emily Sheehan
Director Ella Caldwell
Set & Costume Design Sophie Woodward
Lighting Design Amelia Lever-Davidson
Sound Design & Composition Danni Esposito
Assistant Director Ibrahim Halaçoglu
Makeup Advisor Harriet O’Donnell
Stage Manager Rain Iyahen
Assistant Stage Manager Eliza Stone
Design Intern Filipe Filihia
Cast Julia Hanna and Sarah Sutherland
Reviews
“This is Succession meets Barbie”
- Arts Weekly 3MBS Melbourne -
“It’s hard to find any fault in this production.”
- On the House -
“Hats off to playwright Emily Sheehan: ‘Monument’ is first-class writing.”
- Arts Hub -
“You're guaranteed to be swept up into another world.”
- Theatre Travels -
“Emily Sheehan’s text holds the audience totally engrossed, hanging on every word.”
- Stage Whispers -
“Both performers are stellar,”
- Lilitha Reviews -
“Set and costume designer Sophie Woodward has created a pink palette that would make Barbie proud.”
- My Melbourne Arts -
"Emily Sheehan’s political two-hander is satirical in sly and outrageous ways."
- Theatre First -