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Article: POTUS is coming to Brisbane!

 
 
POTUS, Or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying To Keep Him Alive is the new femme-fuelled, political farce set to give a satirical, dramatic and enticing inside-look at American politics in its Australian premiere at Queensland Theatre’s Bille Brown Theatre from 27 July.

 

Penned by up-and-coming playwright, Selina Fillinger, the three-time Tony award nominated play is centred around a fictitious President of the United States’ (POTUS) foul-mouthed faux pas in front of the media and foreign dignitaries. It follows seven powerhouse women as they navigate misplaced hallucinogenic drugs, a sex scandal and an assassination attempt — all within 24 hours!

 

The story will be brought to life by a star-studded, all-female ensemble featuring Amy Ingram (Family Values and Netflix’s Boy Swallows Universe) who plays Stephanie, alongside Christen O’Leary (Ladies in Black, Triple X), Emily Burton (Othello, Storm Boy), Emily Liu (White China), Jodie Le Vesconte (Family Values), Wendy Mocke (Bernhardt/Hamlet, Taming of the Shrew), Paula Arundell (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), and led by acclaimed director, Lee Lewis OAM

 

“Set in the White House, POTUS is a farce with seven women who are quite literally trying to piece back the American government after one swear word,” said Lee Lewis OAM.

 

“This young playwright in Fillinger has managed to write some of the most extraordinary comic lines to get us through the most devastating truths about power.”

 

While much has changed politically since Selina Fillinger first penned the satirical zingers that make POTUS so powerful, she feels that the lines find renewed meaning with each new political scandal.

 

“Unprecedented times require unprecedented courage. I started working on POTUS when I was a very scared, very sad 23-year-old woman who needed to laugh. I wrote this play to give myself joy, catharsis and courage. I hope it offers audiences the same,” says Selina.

 

The new play comes with a label of ‘not for the faint-hearted’ which Queensland Theatre Executive Director, Criena Gehrke, said it is proud to wear. “POTUS is a satire about the hypocrisy of American politics and the people that work furiously behind the scenes to hold chaos together. It’s bold and brash but makes for an incredibly timely, and equally

powerful story to bring to the stage,” said Gehrke.

 

“It’s written by a woman, directed by a woman and features a fierce all-female cast making it another outstanding piece of diverse storytelling that we’re excited to bring to the Queensland stage.”

 

After its smash-hit run on Broadway in 2022 featuring a mix of SNL and Veep alum, Queensland Theatre and production partners BDO and Board Matters proudly presents the Australian premiere of POTUS at Bille Brown Theatre, running from 27 July to 24 August. Tickets are available now at queenslandtheatre.com.au/plays/potus.

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