We sat down with Krysia Mansfield, one of the writers and performers in Joe Carstairs.
Delving into the compelling life of Joe Carstairs, a renowned power boat-racer known for being the ‘fastest woman on water’, who was also a war-hero and one of 20th century’s boldest queer figures, Joe Carstairs is a new drama set across two timelines, the 1920s and the 2020s, exploring themes of gender, identity, and societal norms over a century apart, and offers a thought-provoking reflection on a historical queer icon.
Joe Carstairs will run at Omnibus Theatre 4 – 22 June,
Tell us a bit about the show:
We follow the journey of young non binary writer Hik in their discovery of Joe Carstairs and how their lives, although a century apart, both resonate and clash with their own experience.
What inspired you to explore the life of Joe Carstairs?
Apart from the fact that my girlfriend & I live in East Cowes where Joe had their very own boatyard – !! – it’s a fascination that grew & grew the more Franko & I discovered about them during our R&D (research & development). I’m quite terrified that much of their ability to do nearly anything they so wished, sprang mainly from their wealth – but it’s also very clear they had lots of character, a real flair for the unexpected and a passion unique to their go-get-‘em attitude to life. As Tee, Hik’s girlfriend in our play says, “Deliciously queer”.
Why did you want to incorporate live original music into the piece?
Live music is a transformative experience for both audience and actors alike. Catherine Warnock is a gifted, award winning composer who has created exquisite moments and themes on clarinet, piano and saxophone for particular characters. She also arranged both Franko & my song choices beautifully. It helps greatly to further the story through original music and specific well-known songs; establishing the era, be it 1918 or 2023. And hey, even mixing it up a bit too! Why not?!
What would you like the audience to take away from the show?
Joy! Hope and love. In drawing from Joe’s striking self determination, and Hik’s discovery of theirs, we hope to bring people closer to their own inner strength in being true to themselves and finding connection in relationships and in community no matter the social or political climate.
Joe Carstairs is one of the headliners of Omnibus Theatre’s 96 Festival, can you tell us a bit about that?
Super excited and proud to be headlining at such an established festival where a run of entirely queer theatre productions get to be in the one great venue for a transformative, feisty & fabulous summer!
It all sounds utterly fascinating and compelling! I wish the Entire Cast and Production Team Much Success snd hope one day in the near future , an Australian Tour could magically be arranged!!! Toi! Toi! Toi! My Very Best Wishes, Patricia Mansfield.