JB Theatre Co in assocation with Canberra Youth Theatre
Struggling with the uncertainty of her future and a stalled acting career, Gia wants to play Ophelia one last time. But when a disastrous acting residency sends this dream spiraling out of control, she has to reckon with herself, and her identity as a woman and an artist.
Heartbreaking and darkly comic, Gia Ophelia invites audiences on a remarkable trek from the highs of acting school to the lows of womanhood and authenticity. This award-winning solo work is an emotional rollercoaster that explores sexism, ageism, the arts and growing up as a woman through tight quips, high energy and devastating reflection.
Gia is growing up, aging out, and ready to take on Ophelia one last time. This time, she’s going to get it right. She has to.
Winner of the Emerging Artist Award and a finalist for Best in Theatre at Sydney Fringe Festival 2025, Gia Ophelia brings together a team of Sydney and Canberra early-career artists for its ACT debut, after an acclaimed season at KXT on Broadway.
Canberra-born, Sydney-based theatre director Jo Bradley returns home for her Canberra directing debut in July with Gia Ophelia by Grace Wilson — a darkly comic one-woman satire starring Annie Stafford, skewering sexism and ageism in the arts.
“Scathingly funny, intimate and devastating, Gia Ophelia is proof that theatre ignites when a fearless performance collides with a superb creative team and razor-sharp storytelling.” – CityHub
“With wit, verbal dexterity, and gimlet-eyed perception, … utterly riveting from start to finish. It never lets the audience go for a moment.” – What’s On Sydney
Production Photography by Phil Erbacher
Poster Photography by Patrick Phillips
Cast
Annie Stafford
Creative Team
Director & Producer Jo Bradley
Assistant Producer Laila Chesterman
Costume Designer Geita Goarin
Lighting Designer Holly Nesbitt
Sound Designer & Composer Otto Zagala
Production Stage Manager Rhiley Winnett
This performance is supported by Canberra Theatre Centre, as part of a commitment to nurturing the emerging artists of the ACT.
