By Sarah Zeppel
W is a contemporary original work written by Madelaine Nunn, premiering at the Old Fitz Theatre. The play takes audiences inside the high-pressure world of a professional women's AFL team as they navigate the challenges of a demanding season and push towards the finals.
Against the backdrop of a male-dominated sporting industry, W explores the pressures and discrimination faced by women in professional sport. Rather than addressing these issues directly, the play presents them as a part of the characters' daily lives, reflecting the reality many women unfortunately experience. The production also examines the sacrifices often required to succeed in a professional career, particularly the tension between athletic ambition and the desire for motherhood.
Nunn's writing feels timely and relevant, capturing many of the challenges faced by women in twenty-first-century Australia. One of the production's standout features is its immersive locker-room set. By placing the audience within the team's environment, the design creates a sense of inclusion, making us feel as though we are part of the team and experiencing their victories and setbacks alongside them.
The cast delivered engaging and convincing performances that effectively immersed the audience in the world of women's AFL. The strong ensemble dynamic reflected the camaraderie, conflict, and support systems that exist within professional sporting teams.
Music was used effectively throughout the production, enhancing both the emotional impact of the story and its accessibility for audience members who may have little interest in AFL. Through music and performance, the play communicated the players' struggles with anxiety, fertility concerns, and the constant pressure to prove themselves in a male-dominated industry. Regardless of their sporting background, audience members were able to connect with and empathise with the characters' experiences.
Following the performance, discussions with other audience members revealed a range of responses to the characters. While some characters were easy to relate to, others proved more difficult to empathise with. This highlights one of the play's strengths: its portrayal of a diverse range of personalities and perspectives, each demonstrating a different way of coping with the pressures of professional women's AFL.