The story of how women’s Australian rules football went from a long-held ambition to a national sporting competition is coming to the stage in Geelong this October.
Strong is the New Pretty, the latest play from internationally acclaimed Australian playwright Suzie Miller, will have an exclusive Victorian season at Geelong Arts Centre from 8–11 October.
Best known for Prima Facie, which won the Olivier Award for Best New Play, Miller turns her attention to the women who helped make AFLW possible – the organisers, players and advocates who spent years pushing for a national competition.
The play traces the journey from a 2010 report recommending the creation of a national women’s league through to the launch of AFLW in 2017.
Rather than focusing solely on the finished competition, Strong is the New Pretty looks at the people behind the push, exploring the determination, setbacks and persistence that eventually helped change the landscape of Australian sport.
For Miller, bringing the production to Geelong carries particular significance.
“It feels particularly special to bring Strong is the New Pretty to Victoria and to AFL heartland at the Geelong Arts Centre, telling the story of the AFLW where it all began,” Miller said.
“At its heart, this is a story about a remarkable group of women who came together with a shared vision and the determination to create something that didn’t exist.”
Directed by Sarah Giles, the production features an ensemble cast including Lucy Bell, Amy Hack, Amy Ingram, Alex King, Amber McMahon, Tara Morice, Nyasha Ogden and Contessa Treffone.
The creative team also includes lighting designer Paul Jackson, composer Clemence Williams and video designer Craig Wilkinson.
Geelong Arts Centre CEO and Creative Director Rhys Holden said the venue was proud to be the only Victorian venue presenting the production this year.
“The formation of the AFLW is a story that deserves to be told, celebrating the determination of the women who helped change the landscape of Australian sport,” Holden said.
The production will premiere at Brisbane Festival before travelling to Canberra, Geelong and Sydney, with the Geelong season marking its Victorian premiere.
For Geelong audiences, there is an obvious connection between the subject matter and the city’s deep football culture — making the production’s Victorian arrival particularly well timed.
Strong is the New Pretty runs at Geelong Arts Centre from Thursday 8 October to Sunday 11 October, with five performances across the four-day season.
Performance dates
- Thursday 8 October — 7pm
- Friday 9 October — 7pm
- Saturday 10 October — 1.30pm
- Saturday 10 October — 7pm
- Sunday 11 October — 1pm
Tickets are on sale now through Geelong Arts Centre.
