Watergate meets Clueless in the new Canberra Youth Theatre play How to Vote!

Posted on 2 September, 2022

It’s a whip-smart comedy that makes Federal Politics look genteel by comparison, but as this satire on student politics takes over The Playhouse, it’s important to note How to Vote! is not just for the StuPol nerds.

Boasting more back-stabbing than Julius Caesar’s farewell party, and enough machinations to make Machiavelli blush, the world premiere is exploring the treacherous landscape of campus life—and the drama that goes with it—from Wednesday 7 until Saturday 10 September at the Canberra Theatre Centre.

Following an entire election cycle within a prestigious university when the President of the University Student Council mysteriously steps down, the play explores the theme of power and what it takes to wrestle it from your enemies’ cold dead hands—all while scraping through your end-of-semester exams.

And according to playwright Julian Larnach How to Vote! (AKA The Repercussions of Political Ambition and Personal Rivalries within Student Leadership and Media Organisations in the Context of the Post-Covid-19 Neoliberal University Institution) isn’t your usual political drama—featuring a cast of university-aged performers from the Canberra Youth Theatre, he describes it as a combination of a “diet version” of Secret City with the humour of Sex Education, or “Watergate meets Clueless”.

“It was weirdly a visit to the Museum of Australian democracy that we took really on in the process [that inspired me],” he says. “It just popped into my head; I’ve never even thought of it before,”

“But I think the prefix of students [fascinated me] and the idea that when you add the word ‘students’ to things, it suddenly changes the nature and adds a lot of preconceived notions and excuses. And then once I started pulling that thread, I realised there’s so much in student drama and student relationships.”

Following the stories of 30 different characters as they weave, duck, and fight their way through the cut-throat political landscape of the university—full of secret deals, divided loyalties, and relentless ambition—Julian drew upon his own experiences in student politics, journalism, and theatre. But, as he explains, ultimately the themes and humour come from the characters themselves.

“I think it’s one of those things that’s been really fun working with a giant ensemble of super talented young actors, you just realise that everyone is the main character in their own little play. You view it as 30 different characters on their own little path through this world, and the play is just sort of focusing on three or four of those primarily,” he says.

One of the characters—Monica—is played by Queanbeyan local Ella Buckley. Describing her as a “first-year university student, running as the third candidate for student president on a single party issue”, Ella was attracted to the passion, drive, and determination of her character.

“She’s ready to give all that she can for what she really wants, push the issues that will help others and make sure that what happened to her, doesn’t happen to anyone else,” she says. “There’s a lot of inspiration in the play from the political climate right now.”

And yes—before you ask, some of the characters are loosely based on (and just as dramatic) as real-life politicians.

“We do reference some political things, particularly for our age group—that young adult, 18 to 25 bracket. There are lots of different jokes, internet memes, and things that have gone viral have been included in that,” says Ella.

“Being able to be in this city and explore politics is so much fun—especially driving to rehearsals and going past Old Parliament House and being reminded that we’re reflecting upon it through a student lens. It’s very enjoyable.”

But don’t worry if you don’t know a lot about politics (whether it’s a student election or a Federal one), according to Ella you can still enjoy How to Vote!

“While it does have a political focus, and that’s what’s driving the play, the characters, the life and the relationships of young adults in that university student age are still incredibly relatable,” she says.

“There’s a lot to be gained out of it, other than just the political aspect.”

Offering an intelligent, challenging, and comedic take on Australian politics, this show proves that Youth Theatre isn’t just for kids. And for the cast stepping onto The Playhouse stage for the first time, they’re excited to finally carve out a space in Youth Theatre as young adult performers.

“Having young creatives tackle a big, important political play that is equally part silly and serious, it really just goes to show that Canberra’s Youth Theatre is doing such amazing things,” says Julian.

“I think often this period is overlooked because we’ve got those narratives of what it’s like to graduate high school, to leave town, those big momentous things. But I think that was the fun discovery of this…politics in plays isn’t about being speeches, it’s about people making decisions. And you make so many decisions in these three to four years of your life, which really just, set you up for whom you’re going to be.”

Maybe these student politicians can teach a thing or two about decision-making (and back-stabbing) to the pollies on Capital Hill—because if you think a Federal Election is vicious, you’d better brace yourself.