The Unspoken Word is ‘Joe’

The Unspoken Word is ‘Joe’

Critically acclaimed meta-satire, The Unspoken Word is ‘Joe’, comes to the Griffin Theatre this January. It’s a case of art imitating life as ‘the play about a play’ follows Zoey Dawson as she continues to seek approval after writing a play.  “It was being written at a time when there were a lot of play readings going on in Melbourne,” explains star of the show, Nikki Shiels. “The general gist of the script that I was really drawn to was that it was a play about a play reading, which I could very much relate to. It was very ironic.”

The Unspoken Word Is ‘Joe’ comes to Sydney after sold-out seasons at Melbourne Fringe and Brisbane Festival. “You can’t have too many expectations going into a show that has deliberately subverted those expectations, it’s just a wild ride, it keeps you guessing and it’s a lot of fun,” says Shiels.

The play also shines a light on what it means to be a female in the industry, and the expectations that follow with female storytelling. Shiels, who currently lives in Melbourne, says she was closely involved with the production from the outset, before the script was written. “It’s a blend of heartfelt and of mockery,” she continues. “We’re improvising between what we do on a day-to-day basis and the absurdity of that at the same time. In that way its very self deprecating, which is fun but also close to home. It’s got a very strong emotional core, it’s essentially about love and being a young female artist.” (GF)

Jan 24-Feb 7, Griffin Theatre Company, 13 Craigend St, Darlinghurst, $38-$30, griffintheatre.com.au

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