The Werkz: Ivy and Sylvia

Ivy and Sylvia is an imagined conversation between two real-life nurses, who served the local area in the first half of last century. It's the story of two women with remarkably different approaches to their shared goals: providing healthcare in Altona during a time of economic recession, prioritising women when many others refused, and working tirelessly with little to no recognition of their efforts.
Written by Mia Boonen, this two-woman play depicts a meeting between these two characters in the present day, as they haunt the former Altona Hospital (now the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre). Together, Ivy and Sylvia remember their past, navigate their relationship in the afterlife, and discuss not only what's changed about the state of healthcare in Australia, but also what's stayed the same. 

Join us for a show that weaves together imagined conversations with real-life historical records, piecing together the life's work of two women who had a huge impact on the Altona community, and recognising the untold stories of historical women throughout time. 

PREVIEW PERFORMANCE: Thursday, March 20
OPENING NIGHT: Friday, March 21 - join us after the performance for a QandA with the artists and local historians about the history behind the show.
QandA SHOW: Saturday March 29 - - join us after the performance for a QandA with the artists and local historians about the history behind the show.

CREATIVE TEAM:
Mia Boonen: Writer, Performer
Scarlett Rose: Designer, Performer
Azmy Azurite: Dramaturgy and Direction
Amelie Barham: Production and Direction

ABOUT THE WOMEN:
Ivy Weber was the first matron of the Altona District Hospital, having run her own clinic in Williamstown and Altona prior to the bush hospital opening in 1932. She provided the equipment for the hospital, and lived on the premises, supervising the staff and patients, for almost 15 years. 
Sylvia (Queenie) Koch ran an unregistered hospital from her home throughout the 1920s, mainly working with pregnant women and in maternity care. She was often called a "witch" for running her illegal hospital, which was very progressive for its time, and had several run-ins with the law.

ABOUT 'THE WERKZ':
The Werkz is the production house of Dramawerkz Theatre Inc, a youth theatre company based in Altona. Led by 3 young artists who were once students of the organisation, Dramawerkz is designed to be the space we needed in the west when we were young, and in that vein, has become a haven for a diverse group of young people who want room for self expression, connection and accessible arts education.

This project is funded by the Hobsons Bay Community Fund.