Well-Behaved Women
Music & Lyrics: Carmel Dean
Additional Lyrics: Miriam Laube
Orchestrations: Lynne Shankel
Director: Blazey Best
Belvoir Upstairs Theatre
Until November 3, 2024
Carmel Dean’s Well-Behaved Women is a musical journey through the ages that highlights women’s experiences and balances both comedy and tragedy perfectly. From right at the beginning with Eve from the Garden of Eve to Grace Tame, Carmel Dean (with additional songs by Miriam Laube) breathes so much life into these exceptional stories.
In exploring the lives of women both real and imagined, past and present, we are forced to examine the question of how their struggles and achievements would have been different had they been men. From the whimsical creation of Judith Shakespeare to the fiery contemporary Julia Gillard we are reminded that their lives and work exist under the constant glare of sexism.
While primarily featuring songs about women who have become household names, Well-Behaved Women also cleverly gives a voice to women who may not be as well known. This was beautifully executed in the song “One Step Closer” about Janet Armstrong, Neil Armstrong’s wife, who spent her life supporting her husband’s dreams and looking after their home. The inclusion of stories like Janet Armstrong’s really makesWell-Behaved Women shine, showcasing that feminism, strength and triumph are for everyone.
The use of a song cycle allowed the story-telling to flow effortlessly. However, the minimalist set and design choices left me craving more. To be fully immersed in each woman’s story, I would have liked to see more complex staging and costuming.
Tonight’s cast featured performers Stefanie Caccamo, Sarah Murr, Zahra Newman and Ursula Yovich who all brought astounding energy and polish to their roles. Each character felt distinct despite minor costuming changes. The musical felt as if it was building to the last song, “We Rise”, where we get to hear all four women sing beautifully together for the first time. Emphasising the importance of solidarity, a truly powerful note to end on.
