MS Julie Gabler:Trapped
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https://www.theatreworks.org.au/2025/ms-julie-gabler
Date Reviewed: 01/08/2025
Ms Julie Gabler Trapped
I love making a new discovery, but it seems I was slow to discover this incredible play and its playwright. A quick Google search made it hard not to be impressed by Dr. Kathleen Mary Fallon. There is no disputing her intelligence and credentials.
Dr. Fallon wrote Ms Julie Gabler: Trapped after experiencing a domestic violence incident. She is an award-winning playwright with an impressive list of credits, including two AFI Awards for her feature Call Me Mum.
It took over a decade before this work was brought to life in a confronting and raw production, which Fallon both directed and produced.
Fallon describes the play as a contemporary Othello, exploring themes of jealousy, suspicion, and psychological torment. The play also highlights the alarming rate of First Nations women who have been murdered. It takes courage to admit to feeling trapped—and even more to find the strength to walk away.
We often wonder why people stay in dysfunctional relationships. Was the toxicity always there, simmering beneath the surface, escalating until they felt trapped by a lack of options?
The talented cast includes Sermsah Bin Saad, Ruth Gilmore as Julie, and Lenny Cullen Gorman. Sermsah, who has a background in dance, also choreographed the show.
Ruth Gilmore gave a flawless performance as Ms Julie—a lovable, convincing character who tries to look past Robert’s temperament, clinging to memories of better times, always hoping things will improve. Robert, played by Sermsah Bin Saad, is a man riddled with personal and professional insecurities. His personality shifts quickly from Jekyll to Hyde. It's no surprise he moves like a dancer. My only critique: there were moments when he was hard to hear. When he faces away from the audience, his words get lost. He certainly doesn’t lack talent—he has copious amounts—but he needs to be mindful to project.
Lenny Cullen Gorman rounds out the cast, portraying a man trying to navigate his friendship with both Julie and Robert.
At the side of the stage, musicians Cansu Ceren Gonen and Gustavo Gomez added live music, vocals, and sound effects that elevated the performance to a new level. Their presence was integral to the play's impact.
This 90-minute play, with an interval, is on at the Explosive Factory, located at the rear laneway of 67 Inkerman Street, St Kilda. The intimate venue has an intriguing history—it was once a fireworks manufacturing site.
The season runs until Saturday, August 9th, with 7:30 pm shows and a warning for strong adult material. Note that the venue has a flight of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. If you arrive at 67 Inkerman Road, you'll find a hardware store—this can be confusing, especially if you're new to the area. A few steps away is a laneway called Lyell Street. Walk down Lyell Street and turn left. Look for two roller doors—it's right next to them.