Prepare to be swept away by a musical that’s as fearless and vibrant as its protagonist! The much-loved stage adaptation of My Brilliant Career, a production that has truly defined the careers of those involved, is gracing stages once more. Kala Gare, the incredible talent behind the lead role, shared that knowing the sheer intensity of the performance schedule beforehand was a significant help. "The life outside the role is quite minimal," she admits. "You spend your one day off recovering and preparing for the next performance. But I’m hoping this time I can carve out a little bit more space for myself."
This sentiment perfectly captures the heart of My Brilliant Career, both the classic novel by Miles Franklin and this dazzling musical. After a universally acclaimed premiere in Melbourne last year, the show is back and set to embark on a tour to Sydney, Canberra, and Wollongong. At its core is Gare's portrayal of Sybylla Melvyn, the fiercely independent eldest daughter of a troubled father. Much like Judy Davis's iconic film performance in 1979, Gare delivers a performance of astonishing range and power, refusing to be confined by her circumstances. While Gare humbly calls it an ensemble piece, it’s undeniably a star vehicle, with her performance shining brightly.
"I was given a lot of freedom," Gare reveals about how the character of Sybylla came to life. "I remember one moment, when Anne-Louise [Sarks, the director] said to me, ‘You wanted to cartwheel then, didn’t you?’ And I said, ‘I did!’ And now that cartwheel is in the show." This freedom and playfulness are palpable throughout the production.
But here's where it gets particularly exciting: This time around, the production has more fully integrated understudies and swings – those versatile cast members who can step into multiple roles. "It gives us a level of support that’s really comforting," Gare explains. "You bring your unique self to the character and then when someone else does it, they bring their unique self to the character. Mel [Bird, who plays various roles and understudies Gare] is stunning. She will be a brilliant Sybylla, I have no doubt."
Finding the perfect cast of 10 actor/musicians who bring the score to life on live instruments (some even strapped to their bodies!) was a monumental task that fell largely to musical director Victoria Falconer. With her extensive experience, including the actor/musician-led musical Once, Falconer is a true expert in this demanding art form. "There is a very specific kind of human that can do it," she states. "There are songs where someone is singing with one type of phrasing, playing an entirely different type of phrasing on their instrument and then dancing, so their feet are doing something different again! Cross rhythms like there’s no tomorrow."
It sounds incredibly challenging, but the result is a sonic cohesion and dramatic synthesis rarely seen in traditional theatre – a true sense of communal force. "You are seeing people operate at the zenith of their creativity," Falconer marvels. "They’re doing the most, and that’s so impressive. Actor/muso shows don’t always work, but when they do…" she whispers, "… it’s amazing."
Composer Matthew Frank, who collaborated with Dean Bryant and Sheridan Harbridge, has crafted a "mix-tape" score that spans from pub rock to bush folk and traditional musical theatre ballads, all infused with syncopation and intricate rhythmic structures. Crucially, it's designed to be "playable," as Falconer notes: "It has to be manageable enough for the people to run around and also give us a full and nuanced character."
Director Anne-Louise Sarks, who, like Gare and Falconer, was involved from the project's early stages, recognized My Brilliant Career's potential from the outset. "I remember saying to the team, ‘The way you tell this story, the energy in this space, the generosity of it – if we can capture that in a theatre, then something very special is happening’," she recalls.
The kinetic energy that explodes onto the stage, evident from the moment the audience enters and the band ignites on Marg Horwell’s stunning wheatbelt set, is no accident. It's a deliberate choice that also stems from the unique chemistry of this ensemble. "I think you can feel process in a final show, and this process was very playful and organic, and sometimes a little bit mad," Sarks adds.
While My Brilliant Career has always been celebrated for its searing feminist thought, this creative team seems to have unearthed an even deeper, more nuanced layer. Gare observes that Sybylla evolves from "a very black-and-white view of the world at the beginning to a realisation that everyone else’s story has value, that everyone is just as complicated as she is."
Sybylla's growth isn't just about personal empowerment; it's also about humility and self-sacrifice. This resonates deeply with Sarks, who prefers her feminism to be "complex and difficult, actually. To be questioning itself as it’s unfolding. Ultimately, if feminism is to succeed, it is in a deeper recognition of the humanity in each other."
And this is the part most people miss: At its heart, the musical offers a profound lesson for the nation, perhaps beyond what Miles Franklin could have imagined. Sybylla envisions a future that is not only freer but also embraces responsibility – what Sarks beautifully describes as "a gift, but in service to something bigger than herself."
"Sybylla’s so fearless," Gare exclaims. "Playing that eight times a week, it does seep into the soul. Show up scared, show up without the answers, but show up. I feel like she’s given me enormous courage."
What do you think? Is it truly possible for art to inspire such profound personal growth and courage in both the performers and the audience? Does the musical's exploration of complex feminism offer a new perspective on the original novel's themes? Share your thoughts below!
My Brilliant Career is playing at MTC’s Southbank Theatre until 23 February, then at Canberra Theatre from 7-15 March, Sydney Theatre Company’s Roslyn Packer Theatre from 21 March – 26 April, and the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong from 8-17 May.
