RGB, Of Many One

RGB, Of Many One, is the life story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman elected to the US Supreme Court, expertly crafted into a one-woman play by Australian playwright Suzie Miller. 

Performed by Heather Mitchell, this is one of those iconic performances that you only see every few years - a stunning and mesmerising performance, that captivates the audience from the very first moments until they leave an hour and thirty-five minutes later, wondering where the time went.

Heather, as Ruth, tells Ruth’s story from her life as a clever Jewish teenage, resentful about her exclusion from many religious rites, through her admission to college, romance with her beloved Morty, graduation from law school, successful legal career specialising in discrimination cases and her admission to and time on the Supreme Court. As the story moves backwards and forward in time, Heather Mitchell seamlessly transforms in age, utterly convincing at 16 or 80. She also transforms into other characters including husband Morty, and her portrayals of Presidents Bush, Obama and especially Trump, are spot on.

David Fletcher’s touring set design nestles beautifully into the Heath Ledger Theatre, a gorgeous design of white columns that feels appropriate for many locations including opera theatres, universities, courtrooms, and the White House. Alexander Berlare’s lighting makes excellent use of shadow and colour - a huge asset to the production.

An outstanding show, with a reputation that precedes it, making it very difficult to get a ticket. Definitely one of the best shows of 2024.

Kimberley Shaw

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Photographer: Prudence Upton