The Queen's City of the South
By Mark Salvestro
Does digging up old secrets do more harm than good?
A three-hander text-based dramedy inspired by the history of Cooma Gaol and its use as a 'gay prison' from 1957-1984.
A community radio station.
A country queer.
A gay prison.
Ryan, Cooma’s self-proclaimed ‘resident homo’, is preparing to interview an exciting guest on his nightly program. His friend Maggie is cheering him on before dashing off to campaign for her election as president of the local historical society.
But when their plans are interrupted by an unexpected city slicker investigating his family history, hidden secrets too close to home are revealed.
Ryan and Maggie must decide whether to expose the truth or preserve the reputation of their beloved community.
Reviews
"
Compelling… textually profound… passionate and energetic, maintaining an energy level which keeps the audience fully engaged.
Kate Stratford, Theatre Now
"
Salvestro breathes electric and charismatic life into Ryan with nuance, providing beautiful range and great clarity for the text he has written.
Lee Andrews, Australian Arts Review
Salvestro’s intriguing play is grounded in powerful ideas… resonant and meaningful.
"
Suzy Wrong,
Suzy Goes See
Humour, banter and endearing, fallible characters work their way into our hearts and this new queer history... This worthwhile viewing and learning experience motivates us to embrace truth.
"
Paul Nolan,
Sydney Arts Guide
"
It’s exciting to see modern Australian theatre with political maturity, a piece that suggests real change can happen.
Paul Gilchrist, Theatre Red
"
A tenderly powerful play that explores the delicate interplay between identity, community, and truth-telling... an evocative story that entertains even as it challenges.
Paul Chan,
What She Just Said
Production photography by Bojan Bozic, featuring Jack Calver, Kath Gordon and Mark Salvestro in the 2024 production at Qtopia Sydney.
Creative Team
Qtopia Sydney season
October 2024
Writer Mark Salvestro
Director Ryan Whitworth-Jones
Co-Producers Mark Salvestro and Gavin Roach
Cast Jack Calver, Kath Gordon and Mark Salvestro
Sound Designer Madeleine Picard
Lighting Designer Luna Ng
Set and Costume Designer Elle Fitzgerald
Digital Content Creator Bojan Bozic
Intimacy Coordinator Trish Speers
Stage Manager Maegan Micola von Furstenrecht
Radio Voiceover Artists Ashton Bellette, Charlie Chandler, Kandice Joy,
Victor Kalka, Michelle Pastor, Jasmine Phipps, Harry Winsome
Promo Trailer Lachlan Salvestro and Leo Marris
Qtopia Sydney Opening Night, October 2024. Photography by Bojan Bozic.
Creative Development
‘The Queen’s City of the South’ has undergone numerous creative developments since its inception in 2022. The project has received support from Canberra Theatre Centre (CTC) as part of its New Ideas Lab and a week-long creative development, funding from South East Arts and the Country Arts Support Program, as well as support from the NSW Government through Create NSW.
Mark was fortunate to collaborate with Dramaturg Nick Atkins on all three stages
of the creative development, as well as the following actors:
Cooma Development: Jack Dodds, Brendan Kelly and Kate Smith.
Canberra Development: Thomas Campbell, Christopher Carroll and Kate Smith.
Photography by Lisa Hogben and Shelly Higgs, featuring the creative development teams in Cooma and Canberra in 2023.
