After sell-out seasons in Chicago and New York, the merry widows of the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters Of Gertrude Stein finally arrive in Australia with the critically-acclaimed, hilarious send-up of 1950’s cold war repression and kitsch culture, 5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche as part of the Brisbane Powerhouse’s inaugural Melt: A Celebration of Queer Arts And Culture festival.
It’s 1956 and the Cold War is at it’s peak. Western civilisation is under constant threat of Communist attack, and nuclear war is an ever present fear for most citizens of the United States of America. But even total annihilation won’t stop the charming widows of the Susan B Anthony Society For The Sisters of Gertrude Stein from getting together and celebrating at their annual quiche breakfast.
The normally idyllic gathering, where the motto is “no men, no meat, all manners,” is upended when the Society’s matriarchs must confront the startling revelation that an atom bomb may be falling on their fair city. As fears are confronted and confessions fly, the chipper ladies stay firm in their commitment that the quiche is a mighty thing and strive onwards into a dark and unknown future.
Written by Evan Linder and Andrew Hobgood, and directed by Nathaniel Cooper, 5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche features some of Australia’s most celebrated stage talent including Lauren Jackson, Samantha Turk, Ellen Bailey and presents the theatrical debut of Sophie Rose. Celebrated cabaret star, Catherine Alcorn, completes the cast.
Following the upward trajectory from its début as a short play, 5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche has enjoyed a meteoric rise with audiences and critics alike. After wowing Chicago, the comedy went on to play a sold-out engagement at the 2012 New York International Fringe Festival, winning a “Best Overall Production” award.
This was soon followed by a successful off-Broadway run at New York’s SoHo Playhouse with The New York Times saying the work’s “raw and magnetic dementia seems destined to attract a cult following.”
5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche
Visy Theatre – Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm
Season: 3 – 8 February 2015
Bookings: (07) 3358 8600 or online at: www.brisbanepowerhouse.org
For more information visit: www. brisbanepowerhouse.org or www.5lesbians.com.au for details.
Image: Catherine Alcorn, Lauren Jackson, Ellen Bailey, Samantha Turk and Sophie Rose (supplied)