2016-08-30
Ms PENNICUIK (Southern Metropolitan) — On 24 August I attended the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre to see Expectant, a performance and art exhibition by Somebody's Daughter Theatre Company. Somebody's Daughter Theatre Company works with women in prison and post-release marginalised youth to create quality theatre, arts and pathways back into education and the community. Ms Patten and Mr Wells in the other house also attended.
The evening commenced with a viewing of an art exhibition of paintings and sculptures, with many of the artists acting as guides. I was struck by the originality and great skill of the artists, who explore themes such as loneliness, isolation, powerlessness, hopelessness, loss of control but also hope, family and relationships.
The performance of Expectant was absolutely terrific — a mix of drama, comedy, musical and fantasy but also touching on serious themes such as homelessness, loss, domestic violence, life in prison, separation from family and friends and the difficulty of getting back on your feet post-release, particularly in finding accommodation, an issue that I have recently been questioning the government about given the 25 per cent rise of women in prison in Victoria and the difficulty in finding post-release accommodation.
I would like to thank the commissioner for corrections, Jan Shuard, for inviting me and congratulate the staff and women at the Dame Phyllis Frost centre on their fabulous exhibition and performance, especially the artists and the cast and crew of the performance on a wonderful production.