PUBLISHED: 16 / October 2024
THEY PROMISED HER THE MOON – Tickets on sale now!
Hunter Drama’s Actors Company, in partnership with Newcastle Museum, is proud to present the AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE of They Promised Her the Moon on stage from 11 to 13 December.
They Promised Her the Moon, is the powerful true story of Jerrie Cobb, the first American woman to test for spaceflight. In this riveting drama, Cobb’s memories of her extraordinary life unfold as she steps into an isolation tank for a record-breaking nine hours – her childhood spent learning to fly in Oklahoma, testifying in Congressional hearings and her fight for recognition as part of NASA’s overlooked Mercury 13 program. Despite outperforming her male counterparts, Cobb was denied her chance to make history in space.
Staged against the backdrop of a massive lunar landscape in Newcastle Museum’s Supernova Exhibit, Hunter Drama’s Actors Company brings this heart wrenching true story of struggle, sisterhood and science to audiences for the first time in Australia, directed by Hunter Drama Artistic Director, James Chapman.
“We are staging They Promised Her the Moon at the Newcastle Museum in December to create an immersive theatrical experience that connects the play’s themes with its unique historical and cultural setting,” said James. “The museum’s atmosphere, rich with history and stories, offers the perfect backdrop for this powerful narrative about Jerrie Cobb, one of the first female astronauts who came close to making history in the early space race but was ultimately denied her chance to go to space.
“By hosting the production in a museum, we’re able to highlight not only the play’s exploration of ambition, perseverance, and the barriers faced by women in science, but also enhance the audience’s connection to the story by surrounding them with exhibits and artefacts that speak to human achievement. The collaboration between theatre and museum is a celebration of history, science, and the arts, and this venue allows us to bring Cobb’s extraordinary journey to life in a space that resonates with the themes of exploration and discovery.”
“Newcastle Museum is proud to partner with Hunter Drama to bring They Promised Her the Moon to our community, presenting an immersive journey into a compelling chapter of history,” said Nigel George, Acting Director, Newcastle Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning.
“Newcastle Museum is committed to preserving stories and creating spaces where these stories come alive and inspire. Hosting this production within our walls allows us to illuminate Jerrie Cobb’s trailblazing story of ambition and resilience alongside collections that celebrate the milestones of human achievement.
“Through this collaboration, we aim to connect audiences with the powerful themes of perseverance and discovery that underpin both the play and our mission. We believe this production embodies the spirit of exploration and the collective aspiration to push boundaries, values that resonate with the heart of Newcastle Museum and our commitment to educating, entertaining, and celebrating the legacy of our city and its people.”
The show stars the students of the Hunter Drama Actors Company, an exclusive audition only program for serious students of drama from years 10 and over. Actors Company students have the opportunity to refine their craft, collaborate with peers who share their passion, and receive guidance from industry professionals in a dynamic program of rigorous training and live performances. The annual end of year production is the culmination of their year’s work together.
The production is recommended for audiences aged 12 and over. There are limited seats available so booking early is a must. All tickets are $50 and can be purchased online from https://events.humanitix.com/they-promised-her-the-moon. There are just three performances from December 11 to 13, nightly from 7pm. Don’t miss the chance to see the Australian Premiere of a story that both inspires and infuriates in equal measure, in what is surely the most ideal location possible.