'The Bush' - A true story of protest, nature and possibility

The Bush - A true story of protest, nature and possibility

Come join us for an inspiring event where we delve into the story of 'The Bush' - a tale of protest, nature, and endless possibilities.

A timely, joyful and true tale of thirteen women who stood up for nature - and won.

Award-winning solo performer Alice Mary Cooper returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with The Bush, a compelling, comedic and quietly radical retelling of a landmark moment.

In this one-woman performance, Alice Mary Cooper, 'a born storyteller' (The West Australian) recalls the inspiring true story of 13, 1970's 'housewives’ who battled for 13 years to save bushland in her native Sydney - starting a nationwide movement of Green Bans, protecting land and the natural environment from destruction across Australia.

Fast-paced, funny and full of heart, The Bush uses storytelling, clowning and physical theatre to remind us that anyone can be an activist, and that real change begins with community.

A timely celebration of community environmental action that promises to entertain, encourage and empower. The show speaks to the current climate crisis and campaign for a Just Transition, while also joyfully celebrating a pivotal moment in the history of global environmental and feminist movements.

Audiences 14+, will experience a highly energetic performance told in Alice’s distinctive physical storytelling style, described by Mark Brown (in his review of solo show Waves):

'The performer is a wonderfully accomplished and thoroughly engaging storyteller and actor. Segueing between the role of the narrator and the character of Elizabeth herself, Cooper also takes a series of other, brief roles in her stride...Her anthropomorphic impressions of fish and “water kangaroos” are delightful in their physical comedy. '

The story is told from the perspective of the ‘everywoman’ character of Margaret, who plays the narrator, herself (a Battler), the other ‘Kelly’s Bush Battlers’ and all other characters. Through Margaret, the audience feels what it means to connect to place and each other, to care for one another and this earth. It is a story of grassroots community environmental activism, an unlikely alliance between conservatives and communists, and how a ten-year campaign helped save a piece of native bushland in a Sydney suburb.

The story is very close to Alice's heart as she grew up near to ‘Kelly’s Bush’ and played there endlessly as a young person. Knowing the story of the battlers was undoubtedly part of what inspired her own concern for the environment and environmental activism.

IMAGES CREDITS:

1. Photo by Emily Nicholl
2. PHOTO BY MIHAELA BODLOVIC TAKEN AT SUMMERHALL, FRINGE 2022
3. Photo by Emily Nicholl
4. PHOTO BY MIHAELA BODLOVIC TAKEN AT SUMMERHALL, FRINGE 2022

Audience quotes:

'A feel-good, ass-kicking Erin Brockovich type story!'

‘Very pertinent to today and a call to arms to action to save what we have left of this planet’

'Really enjoyable- loved the interaction of the battlers with their husbands and domestic spheres'

'Loved the humour' 'So many contemporary parallels'

'Loved hearing your evocation of the bush and about early 70’s housewives finding their voice'

Creatve Team

• Writer & Performer: Alice Mary Cooper

• Director: Laila Noble (Associate Director Play, Pie and a Pint)

• Dramaturgy: Caitlin Skinner (Stellar Quines Artistic Director) & Frederick Copperwaite

• Designer: Valerie Reid

• Costume Designer: Emily Goodwin

• Sound Designers: Niroshini Thambar & Nik Paget-Tomlinson

• Lighting Design & Original Stage Management: Ainsley Kerr

Access & Venue Informaton

• Babes-in-arms policy: Children under 2 are welcome free of charge

• Wheelchair accessible venue

• Ages 14+
• There will be a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks available to purchase before the performance.

Sustainability in Practce

The Bush champions environmentally conscious touring and was originally delivered via a carbon-light model, travelling to Scottish venues by e-bike and public transport. It was supported by the Creative Scotland Touring Fund. This ethos aligns with the Pleasance’s Green Arts Initiative membership and wider Fringe efforts to build a sustainable future for the performing arts.