Created in collaboration with compoer Ashlee Clapp, Ida tells the stories of the first women gradates at Melbourne University.
LINK TO THE AGE ARTICLE - Meet the first-ever cohort of women to graduate from uni - in Melbourne
In a world where the footsteps of men resonated through the halls of Melbourne University, a vibrant and powerful narrative unfolds. This play with music, set in the late 19th century, brings to life the fearless women who dared to break the confines of academia. Each embodying the spirit of resilience and an unwavering quest for knowledge.
The work underscores the transformative power of knowledge and the tireless pursuit of equality. The women challenge the status quo, proving that intellect is not bound by gender.
This production serves not only as a testament to the past but also as an inspiring message for future generations. It echoes the sentiment that breaking free from tradition is possible, encouraging audiences to reflect on the progress made and the ongoing fight for equality in all fields. As the final notes resound, the stage becomes a platform for hope and inspiration, illuminating the path for those who continue to shatter barriers.
Ida is play with music about the fearless women who shattered the ivory tower of academia at Melbourne University. Picture a stage set in the late 19th century, echoing with the footsteps of men alone, until a group of trailblazing women fought against all odds for their right to knowledge.
Collaborators
Ashlee Clapp is a multi-award winning theatre composer who has built a career spanning the globe. She is a university lecturer, conductor, musical director, theatre maker, orchestrator, multiinstrumentalist, vocalist and workshop facilitator. Highlights include: Composition commission for Aboriginal musical, My Longest Round, 2022 (Creative Vic grant recipient). Composer, Music director and orchestrator for children’s musical Filter Fun Park, 2023 (Filter Your Future, Melbourne), plus a 2024 remount in Yagan Square, Perth (Brightside Productions). Musical director for the WA tour of Miss Westralia, 2021. Sound composer in Melbourne Theatre Company’s Women in Theatre program, 2020. Composition mentor for Salty theatre and Theatre Works’ The Hatch Lab, Musical Theatre residency, 2020. Aspire International Music Festival second place winner for commissioned choral piece; Nintiritjaku Nganampa Nguraku, Gold Coast, 2019. Composer and musical director for Forgiveness, toured from Melbourne’s MLIVE festival to the Wuzhen Theatre Festival, China, 2019. Musical Director and conductor for My Brilliant Career, 2019, Melbourne. Union House Theatre composition commissions and musical director for projects from 2012 through to 2018. Ashlee has been a lecturer in composition, collaborative theatre making, choir conducting and musical director/pit conductor for various Universities; Monash University, Federation University and WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) from 2012-2021. Ashlee is passionate about social outreach and is the founder and director of Soundscape, which runs song-writing/music video/drumming workshops in remote Aboriginal communities to promote local Language and youth engagement.
