The director of a challenging theatre performance making its Australian premiere in Footscray this month is warning that nobody will see the show.
Bangkok-based theatre company Peel the Limelight will be presenting The True History of the Tragic Life and Triumphant Death of Julia Pastrana, the Ugliest Woman in the World as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.
Blindfolded audiences will be led on an intense sensory experience, able to feel, hear, smell and touch the performance, but not see the action unfold.
Shaun Prendergast’s play is based on true events in the life of Julia Pastrana, a poor indigenous Mexican woman born in the 1830s who had long hair growing all over her face and body as a result of a genetic condition.
She was sold into slavery as a child to be exhibited in freak shows around the world, advertised as a hybrid between an ape and a human, and as a “Bear Woman”.
Peter O’Neill, Peel the Limelight artistic director and director of the show, said too many people are still exploited and abused almost two centuries later.
“Our production allows us to start a conversation with our audience and raise awareness about human trafficking and modern slavery,” he said.
The True History of the Tragic Life and Triumphant Death of Julia Pastrana, the Ugliest Woman in the World will be performed at Bluestone Church Arts Space, 8a Hyde Street, Footscray, September 14-23. Tickets $20-30 via melbournefringe.com.au or 9660 9666.
Benjamin Millar
