Essential Theatre will commission and develop the first draft of She Went First, a new theatrical work exploring the life and legacy of Dr Constance Stone, Australia’s first female doctor.
Over three months, acclaimed playwright Melanie Tait will research and write the script, supported by Creative Producer Amanda LaBonté, who will facilitate access to historians, archival material, and community networks. The development culminates in a one-week rehearsal led by award-winning director Priscilla Jackman, with an ensemble of Victorian female actors. A staged reading at the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre is confirmed for International Women’s Day 2027.
This work is driven by an urgent cultural gap. Despite her extraordinary achievements, Dr Constance Stone’s legacy is largely invisible – reduced to a little-known Melbourne laneway that few recognise. While her name has existed in Australian history for over 130 years, her story has never been realised theatrically. The strength of this project lies in that proven, remarkable history; its originality lies in the creation of a bold new work that brings it to life for contemporary audiences. At a time of growing interest in re-examining history through a female lens, this project responds directly to that momentum.The staged reading convenes an audience across different sectors, positioning the work as both a creative milestone for the company and a strategic platform for future development.
Our immediate goal is to uncover and artistically realise the life of Dr Constance Stone through the development of a new theatrical work, She Went First. Playwright Melanie Tait will undertake a period of research at the historic site, supported by historians and key community stakeholders, to build an understanding of Stone’s life and legacy. This process will lead to the creation of a first draft, supported by Essential Theatre. Upon completion, we will present a rehearsed reading at the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre (QVWC), positioning the work within a broad cross-industry audience spanning academia, medicine, community leadership, philanthropy and the arts. The primary purpose of this presentation is to generate momentum for the work’s next stage - building interest, investment and strategic partnerships to support its continued development and eventual production.
We will measure success through:
-the completion of a first draft of She Went First
-a well-attended rehearsed reading at QVWC
-the establishment of new partnerships and stakeholder relationships
-a clear, viable pathway to second-stage development and full production
New theatrical works require sustained development over time and cannot progress without committed partners. Success, therefore, will be defined by our ability to secure collaborators who will support the project beyond this initial phase and ensure the long-term viability of She Went First.
We will take a structured and creative approach to documenting both the outcomes and learnings of this development phase.
Quantitative data will be gathered through attendance at the rehearsed reading, including an analysis of sector representation. We will also track tangible indicators of impact, including the number of follow-up meetings, expressions of interest and levels of investment from invited guests and potential programming partners.
Qualitative data will be captured through audience feedback, including responses from the general public and targeted stakeholder groups. This includes historians, academics and others with an existing connection to Dr Constance Stone’s story. Their perspectives will provide valuable insight into both the historical integrity and cultural resonance of the work.
Equally important are the insights gained through the creative process itself. We will interrogate the balance between historical representation and creative interpretation. Post-reading debriefs with the writer and director will further capture reflections on what was effective and what is required for the next stage of development. These findings will be consolidated into two tailored reports: one shared with partners and stakeholders focusing on outcomes, impact, and future opportunities. The other will be shared amongst our creative team, reporting on process-driven insights to inform the next stage of development.
Founded in 2003 Essential Theatre is an independent Victorian company recognised for its sustained growth & artistic ambition. For over 2 decades the company toured its flagship program Shakespeare in the Vines across Australia & NZ, partnering with more than 30 venues & employing over 200 actors & 60 creatives. Alongside touring, Essential Theatre has developed, devised & presented acclaimed productions in Melbourne, including a sell-out all-female Julius Caesar, which toured to the Adelaide & Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. New works include Enter Ophelia & the immersive work The Dream Laboratory. In 2022/23 the company produced its largest project to date, the Australian premiere of Emilia by Morgan Lloyd Malcom, in partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne & Geelong Arts Centre.
Essential Theatre has consistently operated at the intersection of artistic excellence & gender equity, with a strong track record of developing bold new work from concept through to production.
