A powerful stage production is set to bring the thunderous energy of roller derby to two of Australia's major cultural festivals. Mama Does Derby, a play co-created by director Clare Watson and writer Virginia Gay, will transform Sydney Town Hall and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre into high-octane skating rinks this summer.
From the Track to the Stage: A Story of Community and Courage
Inspired by Watson's own experiences, the play tells the story of a single mother, Maxine, whose search for connection leads her to join a roller derby team, much to the dismay of her responsible 16-year-old daughter, Billie. Watson herself discovered the sport later in life, attending her first bout in Melbourne in 2008. She was instantly captivated by "the athleticism, the strength, the power, the agility, also the theatre of the thing."
Although a witnessing a serious injury deterred her from competitive skating, her passion found a new outlet on the stage. She pitched the idea to longtime collaborator Virginia Gay, who initially hesitated due to her lack of experience with both skating and parenthood. However, the unique world and community spirit won her over.
The Real Skaters Behind the Theatre
The production blurs the line between sport and performance, featuring ten experienced roller derby competitors who will execute choreographed sequences on a full-scale, custom-built oval track. Among them is 24-year-old jammer Maddy "BB Gun" Wilkinson from the Adelaide team the Wild Hearses.
Wilkinson, who has skated since childhood, embodies the sport's diverse and inclusive ethos. She notes that while roller derby began in Australia in 2007 as a women's community, it now proudly includes over 80 men's, women's, mixed, and junior leagues nationwide, with a significant queer community. "It's important they feel comfortable, confident and safe to be themselves," she says.
The show pays tribute to the late Sarah Strong-Law, known as Barrelhouse Bessy, the Texan founder of roller derby in Adelaide. Both Watson and Wilkinson cite her as a foundational inspiration. "We wouldn't be doing this show without Sarah," Watson affirms.
A Theatrical Takeover of Historic Venues
Staging the show presents unique logistical challenges, especially at the 137-year-old Sydney Town Hall. The production team is meticulously protecting the venue's precious Tasmanian blackwood and tallowwood parquetry floor and its famed grand organ. A central stage and scenery will be wheeled in to create an immersive, in-the-round experience for audiences.
The creative team extends beyond the co-creators. The musical director, Joe Lui, has assembled a live three-piece band to score the clash between Maxine's punk rock, riot grrrl world and her daughter Billie's more ethereal, Billie Eilish-inspired soundscape.
Adding a deeply personal layer, Watson's daughter, Ivy, who grew up attending bouts with her mother, served as a script consultant. While the play is not strictly autobiographical, Gay says the real-life mother and daughter "energetically defended their avatars on stage." The collaboration has been a rewarding journey for Watson, who now meets her creative, independent daughter "as great friends."
Mama Does Derby runs at Sydney Town Hall from 15 to 22 January as part of Sydney Festival, before moving to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre from 27 February to 8 March for Adelaide Festival.
