Waroona local to direct Pulling Weeds play as part of Stirling Theatre’s Famous Family Felonies collective

Deceit, denial and dysfunctionality have hit the Perth stage under the guidance of a formal Waroona local, in a play that explores the trials and tribulations of a late 1970s family. Directed by former Waroona local Dale James — and originally written by WA playwright Yvette Wall — Pulling Weeds tells the story of a woman, Carla, returning home to visit her dying father. Upon Carla’s return, family tensions quickly resurface and result in a story filled with deceit, denial and dysfunctionality. Ms James said Yvette’s script reminded her of a family that lived next door to her when she was a child and the play involved elements of both humour and sadness. “It’s also giving me the challenge of directing new actors and returning to Stirling Theatre, where I last directed Calendar Girls.” Though Ms James no longer lives in Waroona she said her time at the Waroona Repertory Club brought theatre back to the town. “I think it (community theatre) is a fabulous thing, it teaches character building, teaches you public speaking and gives you confidence,” she said. “I love to see it and I hope it’s alive and well in most community towns.” The play is one in a list of three short plays on offer at Perth’s Stirling Theatre during February for its collective title Famous Family Felonies.