In today’s world, what does it mean to be free? Is it a feeling of liberation from the rules that society dictates, or is it a fire of truth within us that refuses to simmer down?
Marking a 2-year benchmark, ‘The Deplorables’, an award-winning production by female-led regional theatre company Skin of our Teeth Productions, marks its final inning at Theatre Works with empowered pride and pure, theatrical joy. Where in a span of 70 minutes, the audience is fully immersed into a no-holds-barred historical tale of female bravery and resilience set in 1874 in Bendigo, where an all-women’s cricket charity match takes place to great communal acclaim with lots of money raised and 22 women praised for their sporting prowess.
As they celebrate their joy and liberation, chaos and backlash ensue – when the press declares that these women are ‘Deplorable’ for playing a male-dominated game, and should instead ‘know their place’ and ‘stay home’. As the story unfolds, we experience the courage and resilience these women face – to fight for their sense of freedom: to be who they are without limitation.
Written and directed by Christine Davey, and composed and choreographed by the very multi-talented Tess Parker, this heart-warming story begins with a minimal yet highly-symbolic set framed around this 19th-century period. Four descending pillars of chains cleverly embellished with stage props used throughout, in particular; a hand-held 19th-century moustache to depict the male-roles. Birds resting in cages near signs that say ‘Rules Of The Game’. Red and blue uniformed blazers displayed on sewing bodices marking the juxtaposition of identity; of the changing roles that are budding in that society. A curvy armchair depicting a feminine world in which they must sit quietly. While behind, in a trunk marked with the word ‘Hope’ – colourful cricket bats rest in anticipation – hoping to get a game, or perhaps hoping that society changes its tune.
Blending engaging Australian music and striking physical movement, this delightful, quick-witted, show consists of six highly-talented women who bring commitment to their roles with immense energy and enthusiasm; each bringing different layers to tell this courageous tale.
Marie-Claire Tchernomoroff stuns as Barbara Rae with such tender emotion, immediately connecting to the audience with dreams – of achieving more than just sitting still. Of harbouring a secret wish: to fly freely like the bird she tenderly holds in her hands, away from its stilted cage. Danae Reid as Miss Gerber and Aeonie Ostik-Smith as Katie Petrie bring the musical comedy elements of this show to new heights, with beautiful, heartfelt singing and added flavour, displaying their loving relationship with subtle sensitivity. But Tess Parker, stepping into the role of Miss Murdoch? Absolutely steals the show. With her ball of blazing comedic energy, she combines the exact ingredients of humour, storytelling and sass that engaged me thoroughly. Tess Parker managed to entangle me into a world of a 19th-century woman, who despite her limitations, continued to fight for momentary joys – in humour and in sadness. For in watching her, I too was able to embody the feeling of inner-sovereignty, in a world that perhaps even today, seeks to halt the path of what it truly means to be free, for all of us.
To book tickets to ‘The Deplorables’, please visit https://www.theatreworks.org.au/2026/the-deplorables
Photographer: Mary Steuten
