FINALLY FRIDAY: Flood of tragedy set for new play in Geelong debut

By Cherie Donnellan
LONDON’S rain has nothing on the floods that intermittently scour Australia’s outback, according to Jackie Smith’s The Flood.
The award-winning Australian playwright drew from her own upbringing in South Australia’s Woomera and later New South Wales’ Deniliquin to tell a “tragic” story of three women in a broken down farmhouse.
The play’s producer, Moira Finucane, spoke to the Independent about Smith’s “genius”, “stark reality” and Australian humour ahead of The Flood’s Geelong debut.
Smith’s authentically Australian dry humour juxtaposed against the setting of rising floods created an “extraordinary play”, Finucane said.
“Jackie’s ear for Australian language and her really particular dry humour is incredible.
“The story is dark and mysterious. Its tragedy is quite beautiful, so the play is partly sad and partly hilarious.”
Finucane said the story unfolded when lead character Catherine, played by Caroline Lee, returned from London to her family home after a 20-year absence.
Catherine was back to visit mother Janet, played by Shirley Cattunar, and sister Dorothy, (Maude Davey), when rising floodwaters trapped the three women.
“The flood is a metaphor for the way truth always floats to the surface,” Finucane said.
She described the script as “a bit of a whodunnit” but remained tightlipped on the “mystery” the women uncovered during their ordeal.
“People will just have to come and see these three amazing actresses play their roles so brilliantly.”