Love You, Stranger [2019]

A dramatic dance choreographed by Shona Erskine and presented at The Blue Room Theatre, 26 November – 14 December 2019, Love You, Stranger tells three true crime stories of Australian women. Vahri McKenzie researched the cases of Audrey Jacob, Ellen Thomson and Martha Rendell to compose spare monologues to accompany the dance. The work explores the social and cultural attitudes that render their histories marginalised, while the creative process sought ways for narrative and dance to complement one another.

Bernadette Lewis, Scott Elstermann and Storm Helmore (L-R), in Love You, Stranger by Shona Erskine at The Blue Room Theatre, Perth; November, 2019. Photograph by Emma Fishwick.

Scott Elsterman as Audrey Jacob in Love You, Stranger by Shona Erskine at The Blue Room Theatre

Full cast and crew

  • Choreographer – Shona Erskine
  • Producer – Libby Klysz
  • Dancers – Scott Elstermann, Storm Helmore, Bernadette Lewis and Lilly King
  • Lighting Designer – Chris Donnelly
  • Sound Designer – Joe Paradise Lui
  • Costume Design – Nicole Marrington
  • Text Writer – Vahri McKenzie
  • Community Engagement Officer – Annette Carmichael
  • Stage Manager – Georgia Smith
  • Publicist – Ali Welburn

This project was supported by:

  • The Blue Room Theatre
  • Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries

Media:

Awards:

  • Winner Best Production Team (Scott Elsterman and Shona Erskine), The Blue Room Theatre Awards
  • Nominated Best Performance Ensemble, The Blue Room Theatre Awards
  • Nominated Best Lighting Design (Chris Donnelly), The Blue Room Theatre Awards