The Good Girl Song Project presents Voyage; the story of two young women who emigrate to Australia in 1833 to begin a new life. The filmed reading of the newly developed script will feature two actors, 10 characters, 17 original songs, 1 guitarist and Melbourne’s Tall Ship “Enterprize”. Dubbed a Folksical, this new form of Australian folk musical is written by Helen Begley and based on the work of Historian, Dr Liz Rushen.

At the heart of Voyage is the struggle of female immigrants to prove their worth in a colony that treats their arrival with suspicion. Actors, Penny Larkins and Carly Ellis and guitarist, Helen Begley, bring their struggles to life through the songs and a plot that explores the precarious lives of immigrant women in 19th century Australia.

Helen Begley and Penny Larkins established “The Good Girl Song Project” to produce original Folk musical theatre and workshops that explore Australian women's history. The Project's main objectives are to raise awareness of women's stories and to invite audiences and workshop participants to reflect on women's place in their personal and community histories.

The Good Girl Song Project would like to thank the City of Melbourne for their support. The reading is a result of a City of Melbourne Creative Arts Grant that enabled Helen to work with dramaturg, Meta Cohen, actors, Penny Larkins and Carly Ellis and actor consultants Emilie Tambree and Mark McIntyre to develop a new draft of the script and songs. We would also like to acknowledge the support and encouragement of Rosemary Cameron, Executive Officer of The Royal Victorian Historical Society, Michael Womack, Manager of The Tall Ship Enterprize and Dr Liz Rushen, Historian, author and amazing woman!

Running time: 85 minutes

This production is supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants Program.