WISH-LIST WEDNESDAY: Prima Facie

PREMIERED: 2019 (Stables Theatre, Sydney)

PLAYWRIGHT: Suzie Miller

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Official artwork of "Prima Facie"

This week we feature a play that has astounded audiences all over the world, since its initial premiere in Australia 7 years ago. Though initially performed by Australian actor Sheridan Harbridge, it was the performance of Liverpool-born Jodie Comer that launched this solo play to gargantuan global success, first performing the play at the Harold Pinter Theatre in the west end, and later at the Golden Theatre on broadway. Comer's performance in the play earned her both an Olivier and a Tony respectively for each of these runs, and a fully sold out UK tour is currently ongoing over the next month or so.

"Prima Facie" follows a British barrister called Tessa, who specialises in defending men who have been accused of sexual assault, however after she is assaulted herself, her view of the entire legal system completely shifts. The play explores themes of judicial inadequacies, trauma associated with cross-examination, and the perceived "game" of law vs. truth; it's a piece that challenges how the system treats sexual assault cases, holding a mirror up to its misgivings and considerable flaws in handling such trials, and its overwhelming relevance makes it essential watching.

Jodie Comer in "Prima Facie"

A former lawyer herself, Suzie Miller's plays have always sought to challenge societal, and political and legal constructs, by means of dismantling systemic shortfalls. And whilst her prior works, such as "Reasonable Doubt" and "Transparency" have had an undoubted impact, it was "Prima Facie" which really launched her from a hard hitting fringe writer to an instantly recognisable name at the very forefront of the industry. With her second west end exponent opening very soon, I just hope this won't be the very last time we see this major breakthrough of a legal thriller on stage.