Henrietta Baird’s debut one-woman play was first showcased as a development piece as part of Yellamundie National First Peoples Playwriting Festival in 2017 (2019’s event is on at Carriageworks from 24 Jan to 26 Jan). Lara is a Sydney mum who travels to Qld to work 
as a dancer, leaving their father to take care of the two boys. Flying back for the weekend she finds they are out of food and fending for themselves. Dad has been a no-show for days. She has one weekend to find the father and sort everything out. Baird’s story is a wonderful tale of love, parenthood and loss. It’s a young woman’s discovery of who she is and what she can be. The story is well crafted, it is an honest and believable tale that holds you right to the end but can’t succeed unless it has a talented actor in place. Enter Shakira Clanton.
On a simple and effective set, Shakira Clanton produces a mesmerising performance in 
this non-stop rollercoaster of a story. Not only does she infuse Lara with a beautiful warmth and charisma she hits every potential comic moment with perfection. She also manages to hold our attention for the entire 70 minutes, seemingly effortlessly, but clearly crafted with skill. In addition to this she brings to life all the characters that Lara encounters in her dramatic weekend of discovery. The story telling and characterisation is masterful.
Baird’s play deserves a long future and is a wonderful addition to the Australian theatrical landscape.
Lynden Jones, Theatre Now
The Weekend: By Henrietta Baird
Henrietta Baird
18 – 23 January 2019
Mon – Wed 7pm
Fri 6pm
Sat, Sun 5pm
Venue: Carriageworks
Theatre Company: Moogahlin Performing Arts
Duration: Approx 70 min no interval
Lara, a Sydney mum working interstate as a dancer, receives a distress call from her youngest son. Dad hasn’t been seen for days and they are out of food. Lara has the weekend to track him down. And if she succeeds, what will she find?
First showcased in development at the Yellamundie National First Peoples Playwriting Festival in 2017, and now presented in full production by Moogahlin Performing Arts and Carriageworks, dancer-turned-playwright Henrietta Baird’s debut one-woman play blends laughter, hope, love and loss into a young family’s search for a new beginning.
A great show is best accompanied with a fantastic feast. Combine your show ticket with a Festival Feasts dining package with Rubyos for $55 + $1 booking fee.
Images: Jamie James
Ticket Prices
From $36 – $41
