The State of Grace; A new work by Michaela Burger.
“This thought provoking work makes you question societal attitudes towards sex, the industry that provides it and the motives of all involved.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐ North West End, UK
Grace was a high-class sex worker, who rose to meteoric fame on social media, branding her as Australia’s best known sex worker globally. She was an activist and modern-day maverick, until suddenly, she died. Multi-award winning artist Michaela Burger (A Migrant’s Son, Exposing Edith) explores her legacy in this one-woman show. Through Grace’s unpublished writing – hip hop lyrics, poetry, monologues, and musings – Burger unveils her multifaceted life. Grace’s outrageously funny wit and charm, fearlessness and ‘f*ck it’ outlook on life will seduce you into marching with this social justice warrior who was determined to decriminalise the sex industry.
Presenting Grace’s moving true story through a mix of spoken word, song and movement, Michaela Burger reveals the legacy of this brilliant minded harlot and brings her audience on a fascinating journey. This exhilarating piece of new writing will thrill Edinburgh’s Fringe audiences this August for its preview season, supported by House of Oz with Assembly Festival.
This show would not have been possible without the following donors: Georgie Black (HoZ), American Australian Association, Sam Harvey, Michelle & Eli Fein, Mary Snowball, Cjay Taylor, Regional Arts Victoria and many others who donated generously to support the creation of this show.
Based on the true life story of Pippa O’Sullivan aka Grace Bellavue, this project was entrusted to Michaela by Lyn O’Sullivan, the mother of Pippa/Grace.
Foreword by Taimi Allan, Mental Health Commissioner of South Australia
Welcome to "The State of Grace," a powerful exploration of Grace’s life, crafted by the multi-award winning artist, Michaela Burger. This performance is not only a tribute to Grace's life as a high-class sex worker and social activist but also a critical engagement with the themes of mental health and sex work—areas often enveloped in societal prejudice and misunderstanding.
Michaela has approached this play with a profound mindfulness, embracing not only Grace's voice but also those of her family and friends, weaving a narrative that is both true and transformative. This careful curation ensures the performance is safe, destigmatising, and deeply respectful to all involved, particularly in its handling of sensitive content.
The play invites us to challenge our biases and reflect on our beliefs and behaviours towards mental health and sex work. It stands as a prime example of 'edu-tainment'—using entertainment as a vehicle to educate, provoke thought, and inspire change. Through Michaela’s skilful blend of spoken word, song, and movement, audiences are offered a unique opportunity to see beyond the taboos and appreciate the complexities of Grace’s life and the issues she championed.
As you experience this show, I urge you to allow yourself to be moved, challenged, and changed. "The State of Grace" not only honours the legacy of a remarkable individual but also contributes significantly to ongoing dialogues about critical social issues, promoting a more understanding and inclusive society.
Thank you for being here to witness and participate in this important conversation. Your presence supports the continuation of such vital work in the arts, fostering greater awareness and empathy across communities.
Show Creatives:
Creator/writer/performer: Michaela Burger
Text mostly verbatim: Pippa O'Sullivan aka Grace Bellavue
Director: Jane Packham
Original Music: Michaela Burger
Choreographer: Lewis Major
Dramaturg: Alys Daroy
Animation: Stephanie Mackenzie
Design assistant: Juliette Whitney
Branding Consultant: Elena Kirschbaum
Production Consultant: Jonker Burger
Acting Coaches: Carl Ford & Susan Batson
Photographer: Pedro Greig
Artwork: Nicholas Ely
Consultant: Lynette O'Sullivan
Technical Consultants: Maggie McNeill (The Honest Courtesan), Kaytlin Bailey (Old Pros), Alice Beswick, Libby Trainor Parker
Mental Health Consultant: Taimi Allan
Virgin Scene - adapted from Maggie McNeill (The Honest Courtesan)
Further information regarding the sex work industry, decriminalisation and how you can help click below:
Sex Industry Network (SIN)
Scarlet Alliance (Australian Sex Workers Association)
Decriminalisation
The Honest Courtesan
Old Pros Online
Articles by Grace Bellavue:
Grace Bellavue BLOG
Grace Bellavue Pippa O’Sullivan — sex worker, activist, writer, The Australian
A day in the life of a prostitute, Mammamia
Grace Bellavue: “Social media has given sex workers a real opportunity to be heard”,
The New Statesman
MODERN LOVE: Twitter, my PA and life as a sex worker, The Advertiser