RBG: Of Many, One set for Geelong exclusive

NYAH BARNES

Geelong audiences will get a rare chance to see one of Australia’s most acclaimed theatre productions when RBG: Of Many, One comes exclusively to Geelong Arts Centre for a limited season in May.

The Sydney Theatre Company production, starring Heather Mitchell as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, has already played to sold-out seasons in Sydney and Melbourne.

Geelong Arts Centre chief executive and creative director Rhys Holden said strong demand made bringing it to the region an easy decision.

“We really needed to get it here,” he said.

“It’s really our role to bring the greatest art that we can from around the country to people right here in Geelong.”

Written by Suzie Miller, the play traces Ginsburg’s rise to become one of the most influential judges in the United States, while also exploring the personal experiences that shaped her.

Mitchell said the project began with a conversation with Miller, a long-time friend, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was so impressed by [Ruth Bader Ginsburg] – not only her legal standing and what she did for the legal system, for people and for women in particular – but her personal life was such a revelation to me,” Mitchell said.

That initial discussion quickly evolved into a script.

“Within three months [Miller had] written the script,” Mitchell said.

“We took it to Kip Williams at the Sydney Theatre Company, and they read it to him and he said, ‘Let’s do it’.”

She said the production’s strength lies in how it balances Ginsburg’s public legacy with her private world.

“Suzie’s written a magnificent script, and she balances it so brilliantly,” she said.

Structured in three parts, the work moves through different stages of Ginsburg’s life and demands a performance that combines technical precision with emotional depth.

Mitchell said she was struck by unexpected parallels between her own life and Ginsburg’s, which helped shape her performance.

“I find the access to playing her personal life just involuntary. It just is there for me,” Mitchell said.

“I didn’t have to try and imagine what those things would be like; I just could feel them.”

Holden said the production is timely, noting its themes of justice, equality and standing up for values continue to resonate.

“RBG really was a once in a generation person,” he said.

“She was such a powerful advocate, and I think that’s what we’re trying to channel within ourselves as we face some of these modern challenges in our society.”

He said the show also reflects Geelong Arts Centre’s broader mission to present major theatre in the region.

“We’re bringing the best work from around Australia to Geelong because that’s what we’re here to do,” he said.

RBG: Of Many, One will play at the Geelong Arts Centre from 6–9 May, with a new 1pm show added on Friday 8 May.

Tickets are available at geelongartscentre.org.au