Sunshine Super Girl at Melbourne Theatre Company

Written & directed by Andrea James

Shortlisted for the 2021 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Drama, this landmark Australian work written and directed by Andrea James (Dogged) tells the heartwarming story of Wiradjuri Australian tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Sunshine Super Girl is a joyful celebration of spirit and passion over adversity, and a loving tribute to a woman whose sporting prowess continues to inspire the nation.

A young girl hits a ball against the tin wall of her family’s home with a fruit-box bat. This is where it all began for Evonne Goolagong. Hers is a quintessentially Blak Australian story about a girl from the bush who dared to dream, and with the unlikely support of an outback farming town, rose to become the No. 1 tennis player in the world, and a household name by the age of 19.

Arriving in Melbourne following acclaimed seasons interstate, this unique production chronicles the emotional, physical and spiritual journey of Goolagong, and will see the Sumner theatre transformed into a ‘tennis court’ with onstage courtside seating to evoke the magic of Wimbledon. With its distinctive sensibility and humour, Sunshine Super Girl asks us to consider our nation’s future and the part we can play for the next ‘Goolagong’ waiting in the wings.

"★★★★ A graceful, energetic production, honouring Goolagong Cawley’s life story." - The Guardian

"★★★★ Beautifully staged and lovingly performed." - Artshub

"Destined to become a legacy piece of Australian theatre" - The Conversation

"An uplifting portrait of an icon." - InDaily

2021 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award shortlist

Written and Directed by: Andrea James

A Performing Lines Production

CAST

Mum & Ensemble: Jax Compton

Roger, Dad & Ensemble: Lincoln Elliot

Evonne: Ella Ferris

Barbara & Ensemble: Katina Olsen

Larry, Mr Edwards & Ensemble: Kirk Page

Title image photography by: Evening Standard / Stringer

Production photography by: Paz Tassone