Two new works-in-progress tackling mental health, women's health, and the failures of bureaucratic medical systems will premiere in Carlton this week, as part of the Netherworld Festival. Venezuelan-Croatian Australian theatre maker Rebecca Perich spoke to SBS Greek
“Rageful”, Perich's sixth original play in English and her first dystopian thriller, is set in a world where women are diagnosed with… rage and forbidden to work until they learn to manage their anger.
It follows "A", a young woman referred to “Rageful”, a wellness centre for angry women, who soon discovers things are not what they seem.
“OCD-Disco” is an absurd short play about two strangers with OCD who attend a party and, convinced something terrible is about to happen, follow their compulsions to prevent catastrophe.
The production grew out of a writers' group founded in November 2025 by Rebecca Perich, Yakinthi Makka, and Maggie Vali, born of frustration at the lack of diversity on mainstream stages and the financial barriers facing independent artists.
Meeting weekly at Melbourne pubs, the trio developed the works over eight months. After this showcase, they aim to expand both plays into full-length productions, and from this coming November (2026) the group will open its doors to new playwrights.
Speaking to SBS Greek, Rebecca Perich said her hope is simple:
"If people leave the theatre talking about it, good, bad, ugly, and they talk about women and the medical system, that's my job done."
"Proof of Concept" will be presented at The Motley Bauhaus Theatrette (118 Elgin Street, Carlton), from Tuesday the 11h until Friday the 14th of August at 7:10 pm. Tickets $28 / $25 concession.
