SHIMMER

$5.40 – $15.00

In a well-worn audition space, a select group of girls known by number, rather than name, are going through a rigorous audition process for stardom. Their ordeal is being echoed by their Ancient counterparts, the Danaids, a group of princesses who have achieved 'stardom' but are in jeopardy of losing it to a group of men with doubtful intentions.

Both modern and Ancient girls are led into a state of self-judgement by the one Judge, Goddess Artemis - what are they willing to sacrifice for the sake of fame; for the sake of becoming elevated beyond mere mortal existence?

Shimmer investigates the deep need to stand apart from the rest. In two very different worlds, young women are thrown into a state where they must decide - who will choose stardom over everything else in life, including love?

Without preaching, Shimmer produces a powerful sub-textual criticism of gender roles and sexual stereotypes. It does this, miraculously, while also celebrating the collaborative performance skills of 30 young women.. It represents the best of community theatre..." - Helen Thomson, The Age, June 11, 2001

[A CD of the music is available from the playwright on request.]

APT