JOSIPA DRAISMA

ABOUT 

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A theatrical and musical romp with storytelling, The Hen House is a female led new work exploring the dignity and comedy of the female working-class experience in the strange and bloody world of a chicken processing factory. It is a fierce and funny migrant story, supported by an electrifying all-female live rock band, featuring original music, storytelling, movement and design.

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The Hen House imagines the lives of Pavica and Mila, two recently migrated Slavic women who find themselves working together at chicken processing facility in the working class suburbs of Western Sydney. They see so much potential in their new lives in Australia, however the management of the rough-as-guts factory-floor are yet to see the potential in them. In the world of chicken processing, migrant women are rendered dispensable, invisible & voiceless. That is, until they start to hear their own voice.

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The Hen House is created and performed by dynamic sibling trio Josipa Draisma (Best Music Award Sydney Fringe), Mara Knezevic (Helpmann Award nominee) and Sime Knezevic (Philip Parsons Playwright Award nominee), with director Anthea Williams (Sydney Theatre Award Winner) musical direction by Zeljko Papic (Eurovision: Australia Decides Top 20), Design by Isabel Hudson (Sydney Theatre Award Winner), Choreography by Emma Saunders (Greenroom Award Winner) and Producer PYT Fairfield (Helpmann Award Winner). The Hen House is performed by Josipa Draisma, Mara Knezevic, Hayley Chan (Drums), Sil Jin (Piano), Sarah Homeh (Double Bass) and Gwyneth Jansen (Lead Guitar).

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The Hen House premiered in 2023 to critical acclaim at Riverside Theatre and toured with the support from Arts on Tour to Orange Civic Centre, The Art House Wyong, Camden Civic Centre and Chatswood Concourse. The Hen House is proudly produced by In Wild Company and PYT Fairfield. 

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The Hen House is currently available to tour nationally and internationally. For all touring enquiries please email Josipa Draisma at emailwildcompany@gmail.com

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