New Play ‘roller Derby Saved Our Lives’ Explores Mother-Daughter Bond and the Thrill of the Sport
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A new Australian play, Roller Derby Saved our Lives, created by playwright and actor Sarah Gay and writer Zoë Watson, delves into the world of roller derby, exploring themes of motherhood, identity, and the exhilarating energy of the sport. The production, featuring a live band, is a collaboration sparked by Watson’s own experiences with the sport and her relationship with her daughter, Ivy.
From spectator too Storyteller
Watson discovered roller derby through her daughter, Ivy, becoming an enthusiastic fan and even finding herself swept up in the excitement of the bouts. She described a surprising transformation, “holding a can of VB over my head and yelling encouragement and obscenities.” However, a concerning incident – witnessing a skater sustain a serious injury (a broken cheekbone and eye socket) during a bout – prompted her to reconsider participating herself.
Instead,Watson channeled her passion into a theatrical project,pitching the idea to her longtime collaborator,Sarah Gay. Initially hesitant, as Gay had no prior experience with roller derby, she was eventually won over by the potential for innovative theater and her existing relationship with Ivy.
Developing the Characters and Story
To prepare for the play, Gay immersed herself in the roller derby world, attending bouts, observing training sessions, and interviewing athletes. This research informed the creation of the characters Maxine (“Mad Max”), a woman who finds liberation through the sport, and her teenage daughter, Billie, who is more interested in cars than skates.
The characters are not directly based on Watson and Ivy, but the pair were actively involved in the script development process, “energetically defend[ing] their avatars on stage and fought for what is crucial for them,” according to Gay. The play touches upon themes of body image, sexuality, and gender diversity, with Billie’s identity explored subtly. Gay notes that while Billie doesn’t explicitly identify as queer, “that is certainly something that happens.”
Soundtrack Reflects Generational Divide
The play’s musical landscape, crafted by musical director Joe lui, reflects the contrasting personalities of the two central characters. Maxine’s musical world is rooted in punk rock and riot grrrl bands like Bikini Kill, representing a “sound of fight,” while Billie’s soundscape draws inspiration from artists like Billie Eilish, evoking a sense of “ease.”
A Collaborative and Personal Project
Watson describes the collaboration with her daughter as “splendid,” noting Ivy’s graduation from the Victorian College of the Arts and her aspirations to become a theatre-maker. The project has strengthened their bond, allowing them to connect “in a diffrent place as great friends.”