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Explore the power of words with Henry Lawson

About the show  

Set in a dystopian future, words are controlled by the government. You only have 1,000 words to choose from and if you use a word outside of these, you will be silenced. This thought-provoking play will have you thinking about the future and power of free speech. What if your words were taken away?




Name and role: Michelle and Leisel Hussey playing Alli the baker (Michelle) and Angela, otherwise known as ‘Girl’ (Leisel)


This mother daughter duo has been sharing the stage on and off for 4 years. Leisel attended her first acting class when she was five years old and competed her first speech and drama eisteddfod that same year. She has performed in ‘The Wizard of Oz ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, ‘Anne of Green Gable’s and ‘The Crucible’. Michelle got into acting through her children, she took her daughters to their first rehearsal for ‘Oz the Musical’ and was invited to stay and watch… by the end of that day she had been cast in the production, lucky enough to play Aunt Em. Since then, she has performed in numerous productions with HLT, Ruby Productions and Richmond Players.


What can audiences look forward to when they come to see the show? Michelle: An emotional, thought-provoking journey that explores the impact of language, with a few laughs along the way.


Leisel: Great character-driven performances that highlight the importance of the unsaid word.


How has the rehearsal process been? 

Michelle: The rehearsal process has honestly been such an enjoyable and rewarding one! Everyone involved has been so dedicated to refining their performances and there has been such a collaborative effort between all the cast and crew involved in the production.


Leisel: The rehearsal process has been a truly collaborative effort, with the director Ian Fletcher allowing us all to develop our characters whilst still ensuring he fostered a deep understanding of the themes of the play and each individual character’s journey.




What do you like about the show? Why did you choose to be involved? 

Michelle: What I like about this show is the way it questions so many things we take for granted like language, communication and freedom. It was actually my daughter who originally introduced me to the script, and it was her enthusiasm to be part of the show that got me involved and I am so glad that I did!



Leisel: I loved reading ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘The 100’, which are both set in a dystopian future - so this script instantly grabbed my attention. I knew the role of Angela would be a challenging one and I was right... but I have really enjoyed bringing Angela’s resilience to life.


Which cast member do you think audiences should keep an eye out for?  Michelle: Everyone is bringing it! But if I had to pick one …. Cenk Orhan. His unique interpretation and portrayal of the character Orhan, is one audiences are going to love.



Leisel: Audiences should keep an eye out for Cooper Abood in the role of Kieran. Not only does he provide comedic relief from the intensity of the play, but his story really focuses on the bonds of friendship and the sacrifices one will make and Cooper blends the two effortlessly. As for the question of who is bringing it …. every single member of the cast and crew!


What do you want the audience to think about? What is the message of the show? 

Michelle: The show invites the audience to reflect on ethical dilemmas such as censorship, freedom of speech and societal norms. It encourages the audience to question what they would prioritise in a society where words were limited and regulated.



Leisel: The play challenges audiences to consider how language shapes our understanding of the world, our relationships and our own identities. I think the message of the show will be a little bit different for everybody that watches it, but at its core the message is …. Words have the power to change everything!


Henry Lawson's production of Where Words Once Were is on from July 26 - August 3rd. Use the following link for ticking and further information




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