Ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day, Behind the Scenes presenter Chris Thompson sits down with one of the country’s most respected and prolific theatre directors Susie Dee. In addition to reflecting upon the long struggle of women artists to gain equal footing with their male counterparts, particularly in areas of artistic leadership and decision making, Susie chats about three different productions that are currently either on stage or about to open – all created with remarkable women playwrights, performers and theatre makers. Two of them are soon to open at HotHouse Theatre – Rodeo Clown features the incomparable and highly physical theatre-maker and performer Nicci Wilks – and I’m With Her is written by award winning playwright, documentary filmmaker and director Victoria Midwinter Pitt and focuses on Pitt’s intimate conversations with eight prominent women in the public eye and examines “…the power of women to outlast, outwit and out-muscle the great ugly beast of sexism.” Meanwhile, at Malthouse Theatre, Susie’s production of multi-award-winning playwright Patricia Corenelius’ latest play Truth has already opened to much acclaim.

Ahead of this year&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.internationalwomensday.com/">International Women&rsquo;s Day</a>, Behind the Scenes presenter Chris Thompson sits down with one of the country&rsquo;s most respected and prolific theatre directors Susie Dee. In addition to reflecting upon the long struggle of women artists to gain equal footing with their male counterparts, particularly in areas of artistic leadership and decision making, Susie chats about three different productions that are currently either on stage or about to open &ndash; all created with remarkable women playwrights, performers and theatre makers. Two of them are soon to open at <a href="https://hothousetheatre.com.au/">HotHouse Theatre</a> &ndash; <a href="https://hothousetheatre.com.au/rodeo-clown/">Rodeo Clown</a> features the incomparable and highly physical theatre-maker and performer Nicci Wilks &ndash; and <a href="https://hothousetheatre.com.au/im-with-her/">I&rsquo;m With Her</a> is written by award winning playwright, documentary filmmaker and director Victoria Midwinter Pitt and focuses on Pitt&rsquo;s intimate conversations with eight prominent women in the public eye and examines &ldquo;&hellip;the power of women to outlast, outwit and out-muscle the great ugly beast of sexism.&rdquo; Meanwhile, at <a href="https://www.malthousetheatre.com.au/">Malthouse Theatre,</a> Susie&rsquo;s production of multi-award-winning playwright Patricia Corenelius&rsquo; latest play <a href="https://www.malthousetheatre.com.au/whats-on/season-2025/truth">Truth</a> has already opened to much acclaim.

The Australian Arts community is as diverse as its population. Each week Behind The Scenes looks at how people carry out these arts projects. Many stories, both fascinating and amusing are waiting to be told. 

The Australian Arts community is as diverse as its population. Each week Behind The Scenes looks at how people carry out these arts projects. Many stories, both fascinating and amusing are waiting to be told.&nbsp;