2019
Kasama Kita
Aya Productions/Belvoir 25A
It is 1974, and a political uprising that has compromised the safety of millions in the Philippines, brings Nancy, Antero and Cory to Balmain, Sydney. They are to train as nurses under the watchful eye of a jaded Matron, who echoes the sentiments of a harsh and unwelcoming Australia.
45 years later, the now estranged trio must reconnect under grave circumstances. This is an untold story of first generation immigrants that have shaped the Australia we know today.
A new work by Jordan Shea, originally developed as part of the Q-Lab Artist in Residence program, and further at Q Theatre.
Written by: Jordan Shea
Direction: Erin Taylor
Assistant Direction: Mark Paguio
Production Design: Emma White
Lighting design: Kelsey Lee
Sound design: Clare Hennessy
Production Stage Manager: Adrienne Patterson
Cast:
Kenneth Moraleda, Monica Sayers, Teresa Tate Britten, Kip Chapman and Jude Gibson
Writer’s note:
Every writer hopes that they can do their roots justice, whatever that may be. Commercially, Kasama was one of the highest grossing and highly attended plays at Belvoir’s downstairs space. People came from all NSW to see it. This was namely due to the extremely savvy marketing abilities of our producer, who put us out there tenfold. Whatsmore, SBS, Sydney Morning Herald and more picked us up. It was a dream.
I have talked and been interviewed on the play quite a bit, and you can find those links on my site. I could write paragraph upon paragraph about the play, it’s personal meaning, it’s development and more. But truthfully, I was thrilled that Filipinos came in droves to see it, and my mother’s story, plus hundreds of thousands of other men and women who shared similar experiences, was honoured. It was, and will be, the highlight of my life for some time. Let’s hope we see it again, for the betterment of the theatre’s continuous need to mirror our true Australian landscape.