A musical about women - for women - will raise vital funds for women’s cancer research this May.
Brisbane’s Twelfth Night Theatre will donate performance proceeds from Menopause the Musical to the Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer Research at The University of Queensland.
The classic Broadway show takes an irreverent look at menopause through the eyes of four women and is one of the most successful shows to be performed at the Twelfth Night Theatre in its 28-year history.
Theatre owner, Gail Wiltshire said she felt it was fitting that the musical, written to help end taboos around menopause, should also help women with cancer of the female reproductive organs, otherwise known as gynaecological cancer.
“I am delighted that I can shine the spotlight on gynaecological cancer through the theatre,” Ms Wiltshire said.
“Gynaecological cancer kills and harms too many women in a quiet and sinister way and we need the community to be more supportive of women and their families when they are going through a traumatic time.
“I hope people will come along, enjoy the show and the warm feeling that comes from knowing their night out will help fund critical research into improved diagnosis and treatment of gynaecological cancer.”
The UQ alumna and German Honours graduate said her own experiences with uterine cancer had drawn her to provide a show of support for women’s cancers through the popular Broadway show.
“I was diagnosed with uterine cancer fifteen years ago but in 2016 I’m alive, well and kicking,” Ms Wiltshire said.
“I attribute my health today to the wonderful clinical teams who helped me through my treatments and the dedication of Queensland cancer specialists who are unrelenting in their pursuit of knowledge and answers to provide even better treatments to their patients.”
Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer Director, Professor Andreas Obermair, said he was very grateful to Ms Wiltshire, and the Twelfth Night Theatre for their commitment to raising funds for gynaecological cancer.
“In Australia, one in 22 women will develop a gynaecological cancer and our centre aims to reduce these statistics and develop the best standard of care for women with the disease,” Professor Obermair said.
“Our centre aims to research and develop the best standard of care for women experiencing gynaecological cancer,” Professor Obermair said.
“We do this by identifying its causes, looking for ways of preventing disease, and offering better treatment options for women.”
“We hope the night is a tremendous success and thank everyone involved for their generosity.”
The fundraising performance to support gynaecological cancer research is on Sunday 29 May at 5pm.
Tickets are available from Twelfth Night Theatre on (07) 3252 5122.
Media: Story contact Lisa Harrold at QCGC Research on 0418 151 850 or l.harrold1@uq.edu.au
