Summer and Autumn are in love, but there’s a problem in their love nest. Spanner in hand, Autumn roams the house looking for a drip she can’t see while Summer plans a spectacular skating party. But there are cracks emerging in their relationship, puddles appearing on the floor and tough questions that need to be asked. Like what if Penny Wong can’t skate, or Julia Gillard doesn’t like the ornamental ice swan? And why is there a glacier shimmering above their St Kilda chimney?
A modern fairytale that begins with salsa, pirouettes into the clouds and ends on a snow-capped mountain, Skating in the Clouds is a new play by Melbourne playwright Clare Mendes and the latest production from Melbourne Writers’ Theatre, the playwriting organisation taking new scripts from page to stage since 1982. The recipient of a Malcolm Robertson Foundation grant, Skating in the Clouds draws audiences into the beautiful, intricate relationship of Summer and Autumn – with its romance, arguments and dancing – then takes you on their ride. A dual celebration of female love and love for the planet, Skating in the Clouds also celebrates the remarkable contribution of 50+ women to both realms. Finally, girls, a play written for Us! 70 minutes
