The Griffin Theatre Company is focused on Australian writing. Located in Sydney’s historic SBW Stables Theatre, they lead the country in developing and producing great Australian stories and are dedicated to supporting Australian artists.
Winner of the 2018 Griffin Award, Prima Facie written by criminal lawyer/playwright Suzie Miller, premiered at the Stables Theatre in May 2019. This one-woman show is an indictment of the Australian legal system’s failure to provide reliable pathways to justice for women in rape, sexual assault or harassment cases. Sheridan Harbridge received the ‘Best Female Actor in a Leading Role – Main Stage’ award at the 2019 Sydney Theatre Awards. Lee Lewis’ direction was excellent. The Girgensohn Foundation was the production partner of this play.
Tessa is a criminal lawyer at the top of her game who loves to win, even when defending clients accused of sexual assault. When she finds herself on the other side of the bar, she is forced to experience the shortcomings of a patriarchal justice system where it is her word against his.
Prima Facie was an outstanding success performed at theatres across Australia and overseas.
In 2022 a new production of the play (directed by Justin Martin, produced by James Bierman) had a long sell-out season at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End with Jodie Comer playing the role of Tessa. Prima Facie won two Olivier Awards, for ‘Best Play’ and ‘Best Actress’ in 2023.
A sell-out season on Broadway, New York (John Golden Theatre), followed in 2023. Jodie Comer won the Tony Award for ‘Best Actress’.
Prima Facie had a dramatic impact in Australia and the UK on how the justice system treats sexual assault victims. This is a rare example how ‘Art is mightier than the law’ according to Suzie Miller.
The play has been translated into 30 languages with more translations and productions in progress worldwide. It has been developed into a novel and will be turned into a full-length movie in London starring British actor Cynthia Erivo.