Hedland, Newman theatre talent set to hit the stage in two Perth premieres

Two former Pilbara residents are set to hit the stage the coming weeks as two WA-written plays make their premiere in Perth theatres. Valerie Henry, who was once a proud Newmanite, is starring in The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race. Inspired by real events, The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race tells the story of five women, including Barb played by Henry, who dispute a clear gender prize gap in their town’s annual potato race. In the race, men compete for $1000 but the women’s race offers only $200, something the women are determined to change to bring the town of Appleton into the 21st century. The play is written by Australian radio broadcaster, playwright and author Melanie Tait and directed by Michelle Ezzy, who said it will “have you laughing but also reflecting on the imperfections of our society.” “There is plenty of witty banter from the sassy and incredibly intelligent characters, which gives the show a truly Australian essence,” she said. “I love how real and flawed the characters are and I think people will be able to see people from their own lives in them.” Hedland Senior High School graduate and former Karratha TAFE student Cally Zanik is starring in Pulling Weeds. Written by Yvette Wall and directed by Dale James, Pulling Weeds is one of three short plays on offer at Perth’s Stirling Theatre under the collective title “Famous Family Felonies”. Director Dale James said Zanik has “taken on a challenge acting in a play about a dysfunctional family where deceit and denial are rampant”. Zanik plays the role of Kel, sister of protagonist Carla, who returns home unexpectedly from London to visit their dying father. Upon her arrival home, family tensions are quickly revived and old patterns play out. The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race is playing from February 17—26 at the Melville Theatre in Palmyra. Pulling Weeds is showing at Stirling Theatre in Inaloo from February 17—19.