Jumpy: Applecross actress to make audiences ‘laugh, cry and empathise’ at Melville Theatre

APPLECROSS actress Cassandra Gorman is gearing up for a family drama she says will make audiences “laugh, cry and empathise”.

Gorman will play 50-year-old Hilary in a production of Jumpy at Melville Theatre this November and December.

Written by April de Angelis and directed by Miles Openshaw, the story focuses on Hilary, a woman at a low ebb; she is in an unexciting marriage, faces redundancy at work and has a volatile relationship with her rebellious teenage daughter.

When she discovers her daughter is pregnant, she embarks on a journey for self-understanding.

“Hilary is a multifaceted character,” Gorman said.

“She’s a woman who’s struggling to cope with managing her relationship with her teenage daughter, her stagnant marriage, growing older and the pressures of holding on to her job in a tough economy.

“She holds on dearly to feminist values but struggles to find common ground in a world that has changed since her golden years.

“Given I’m in every scene, the challenge will be to reflect the changing environment and my demeanour in a matter of minutes.

“One moment I’m laughing and the next I’m a wrung-out mess.

“I’m thrilled I can use all my training as an actor to bring this role to life.”

Gorman described the production as her “proudest work to date”.

“There are shocking discoveries, dramatic relationship clashes and dalliances with adultery – and you’ll laugh, cry and empathise,” she said.

“You will follow the characters’ journey of self-discovery, compromise and learning to accept you cannot control everything in life.”

Openshaw said he was drawn to the way Jumpy makes audiences examine how they navigate through family crises while still retaining a level of intimacy and love.

“Through Hilary, we see how difficult it is to let go of the roles that have become so much a part of her identity while she tries to find a new role in a society that worships youthfulness,” he said.

“It’s great to be working on a play that gives two strong female characters in their 50s centre-stage, allowing us to hear their voices – they’re voices that are so frequently overlooked in contemporary drama.”

What: Jumpy When: November 17 to December 2 Where: Melville Theatre is on the corner of Stock Road and Canning Highway, Palmyra Tickets: Tickets are $20, $15 concession. To book, phone 9330 4565 or visit www.meltheco.org.au

MORE: Man dead after rolling car in Toodyay

MORE: Man charged with child sex offences committed at school

MORE: The beautiful moment a dog swims with dolphins captured on video