UQ professor tickled Pink with twin performance

Their legacy transcends their love of the colour pink and from July 22, UQ Adjunct Professor and writer Sue Rider will share the life of “The Pink Twins” as part of a special original music theatre work at QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre.

A Brisbane-based writer/director, who has worked in Australian theatre since 1975, Ms Rider became aware of twins Dorothy and Moyia O’Brien several years ago but had only heard of their eccentricity.

The Pink Twins, nicknamed for their affiliation with the colour pink, were two sisters with undoubtedly big hearts furthered through their work with people with disabilities as part of the Sunshine Welfare and Remedial Association (SWARA).

“In 2004, I read that Dorothy O’Brien had passed away, survived by her sister Moyia. I was drawn by the idea of one twin living without the other and began to research their lives,” Ms Rider said.

“Their involvement with SWARA, their life-long devotion to each other, the theatricality of their ‘pinkness’ – all this seemed wonderful material for a play.

“I approached Moyia, who was delighted with the idea, and the project was born.”

As the script began to unfold, Ms Rider soon realised that the work was never going to be a straightforward play.

“The O’Brien twins continually acted ‘outside the square’ and I have wanted from the start to embody their belief that ‘anything is possible’ in the telling of their story,” she said.

“Their birth was a complete surprise (the doctor only ever heard one heartbeat); as children they gave away their belongings to others in need; they were amongst Australia’s earliest occupational therapists; they lived together for 80 years and they were not always pink.”

From Ms Rider’s first contact with Moyia, a number of themes began to develop that helped to propel the story onto stage.

Not unexpectedly, the theme of ‘twinning’ is a dominant idea explored through text, music and movement. Furthermore, the women’s ‘sameness’ is underlined by intersecting and simultaneous dialogue, singing in and out of harmony, echoed thoughts and repeated physical action.

“Extending out from the twins, the notion of ‘same, but different’ applies also to perceptions of people with disabilities,” Ms Rider said.

“The presence of the SWARA community choir brings the raw energy of authenticity as well as a physical and musical dimension to this integral concomitant theme.”

Twinning is continued in the cast through identical twin performers Anni and Maude Davey and twin musicians Heather and Marjorie Michael.

The nationally recognised creative team includes composer/musician John Rodgers, designer Greg Clarke and lighting designer David Walters.

The Pink Twins will be performed at QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre, from July 22 to August 1. For tickets call qtix groups on (07) 3840 7466.

Media: Eliza Plant at UQ Communications (07 3365 2619)