Director’s Note: Janine Watson, THE SOCIAL LADDER
What if the type of person whose beliefs fill you with ire, who you can only yell at on social media or the tv news, the one you see as accountable for the disintegration of society was suddenly right there in front of you? Would you be able to restrain your views? Would your moral compass let you?
THE SOCIAL LADDER puts three couples together for a very special dinner party, at which Katie Norrie hopes to secure her position amongst Sydney’s cultural elite. She aspires to a major board position and is going all out to ensure she gets it. Outside of these circumstances, it’s unlikely these three couples would be in the same room. Their politics and social status are worlds apart.
David Williamson is a great observer of human behaviour. His fascination with psychology and sociology drives his work. In THE SOCIAL LADDER he explores the nuances of wealth and status, the hypocrisy required to attain it, and the desperation to keep it. The characters in the play either have much, have enough to want more, or have had and want it back.
It is a very funny play and the cast of 6 actors, who I’m overjoyed to work with, capture the tone brilliantly. I’ve been calling it a language play because the power of the words and the muscularity of their arguments carries the play. With the right cast, David’s plays need very little flourish – he’s done the heavy lifting. I admire beyond words the humility required to play shameless characters. I also admire beyond words the empathy required to play characters filled with shame. This play has both and it is a potent combination, deliberately provocative, cleverly hilarious. I needed a fearless cast and I got that in spades.
The set/costume design by Veronique Benett and lighting by Matt Cox, both so exciting, have been sensitively created to centre and illuminate the performances and text. An actor’s playground. And Clare Hennessy’s magical score has been crafted with great attention and detail to enliven each debate and build tension between characters.
I must say how grateful to Mark, Loretta, Carly and the whole Ensemble team who gift me incredible opportunities to direct at their excellent company. I want to acknowledge the tireless, generous, brilliant work of Khalid, Gayda, Lily, Ruby and all members of the production / technical teams across costume, props, lighting and sound support – it has truly been a joy working alongside you all. Much appreciation to all ticketing, box office, front of house and bar staff that will ensure the smooth running of this show.
On this show I’m so lucky to work with Jules Billington as my assistant director – they share my physical aesthetic and love of language, and are an exceptional director and actor. They are also one of my greatest friends.
THE SOCIAL LADDER is a masterclass in verbal sparring and structuring a thrilling social satire. It challenges my creativity and pushes my practice. I’m eternally thrilled that David Williamson trusts me with his work. Please enjoy the delights that this great playwright gives to audiences!
I acknowledge the Cammeraygal people of the Eora nation on whose land this production was made.
Janine Watson
Don’t miss David Williamson’s THE SOCIAL LADDER, playing 23 Jan – 14 Mar.