A Gosnells local is bringing her first major theatre production to Perth audiences, drawing on personal experience and a little-known part of Fremantle’s history.
Josie Walsh is making her writing and directorial debut with Red Ticket, showing at The Blue Room Theatre from April 7 to 18.
Her journey into theatre started early. “I grew up in Gosnells and have always loved theatre,” she said.
“I was very lucky that I went to a school that had such great theatre facilities and an inspiring drama teacher that I had since I started at Lumen Christi, Mrs Lucich.”
That early interest continued at Curtin University, where she studied Theatre Arts and began developing her own work.
The idea for Red Ticket first came during a university project, where students were asked to research the history of Walyalup / Fremantle.
That research led her to the history of the Fremantle Arts Centre, once known as the Fremantle Lunatic Asylum.
“The stories I researched moved and outraged me, and I felt a deep responsibility to tell them,” she said.
Set across two-time periods, the play follows a new mother dealing with postnatal mental health challenges while uncovering the story of a woman who lived through similar struggles a century earlier.
Walsh said the story was never meant to turn history into a ghost tale.
“The aim of this show is not to sensationalise or turn the past of the building into simply a ‘ghost story’, but to honour the past and show respect for the women who were mistreated by telling their stories.”
The topic is also close to home.
“This topic resonated with me on a personal level, as two of my family members have experienced psychosis, and spent time in psychiatric wards,” she said.
“Through Red Ticket, I aim to challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness, which I’ve both felt and witnessed firsthand.”
The play explores postpartum depression and psychosis, issues Walsh says are still widely misunderstood.
“This play is relevant as 1 in 8 mothers are diagnosed with Postpartum Depression,” she said.
“As long as the stigma towards mental health exists, I believe this story will be relevant.”
Her research revealed confronting details about the building’s past.
“From 1861 to 1908, this building served as an asylum where many women were treated like prisoners for reasons that wouldn’t be considered mental illness today,” she said.
“People were admitted for various reasons, including poverty, criminality, and what was deemed ‘sexual deviance’.”
The production has been years in the making. Walsh first developed and staged Red Ticket at Curtin in 2024, where it went on to win ‘Most Popular Play in Semester Two’. It was later studied by Year 12 drama students at John Curtin College of the Arts.
Since then, the work has continued to grow.
“Through working with my mentor Vivienne Glance, my writing and vision evolved to create a more authentic voice and gripping narrative,” she said.
The latest version places more focus on the relationship between the two women in the story.
“Not just a ghost haunting another but exploring their shared connection, one filled with empathy and understanding,” she said.
Bringing the production to life has been both exciting and challenging, especially as a first-time director.
“It has been a really fun process… due to collaboration with such a creative, talented and passionate team,” she said.
“That being said it’s still definitely also been nerve racking when challenges rise… however all challenges we have been faced with have always been solveable with the help of my supportive team.”
Now, seeing the show reach The Blue Room Theatre is a milestone.
“It feels incredible. The Blue Room has provided such great resources and supportive environment for emerging artists like myself.”
At its core, Walsh hopes the play connects with people and starts conversations.
“I hope audiences leave the theatre feeling less alone and knowing that help is out there,” she said.
“There is no need to feel shame for struggling with your mental health.”
She also hopes it encourages others, especially young people from areas like Gosnells, to give creative work a go.
“If an idea comes to you go for it. Go for every opportunity that comes up,” she said.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out to other creatives for advice.”
Red Ticket runs at The Blue Room Theatre from April 7 to 18.
