Get ready for a double dose of theatrical magic as Australia gears up to celebrate the 100th birthday of its legendary racehorse, Phar Lap! But here's where it gets controversial... two musicals, each with a unique twist, are set to premiere, shedding light on the extraordinary life of this iconic horse.
The Rise of a Champion: Phar Lap's Unstoppable Journey
In November 1930, amidst the shadows of an assassination attempt, Phar Lap, a chestnut gelding from New Zealand, emerged victorious in the Melbourne Cup, leaving his mark on the racing world. This was just one of the many triumphs in his extraordinary career, with an impressive win rate of 19 out of 21 races that year, and a total of 37 wins out of 51 races over his four-year journey.
The Musicals: A Tale of Two Interpretations
The story of Phar Lap has inspired not one, but two musicals, both premiering in Australia within a month of each other. These productions bring the spirit of Phar Lap to life, with one featuring an actor in the lead role and the other utilizing the art of puppetry.
Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical
Writer Steven Kramer saw the theatrical potential in Phar Lap's story, describing him as a "revered national icon." Kramer's musical, which opened in Sydney, showcases the horse's journey from an awkward youth to an "unstoppable force," thanks to the training of his trainer, Harry Telford. The musical also delves into the close relationship between Phar Lap and Telford, almost like a father-son dynamic, where they teach each other valuable life lessons.
The Wonder Horse! The Life & Afterlife of Phar Lap (The Racehorse)
Kit Richards, the writer of this musical premiering in Melbourne, also recognized the dramatic elements in Phar Lap's life. Richards' musical focuses on the love story between Phar Lap and his strapper, Tommy Woodcock. It highlights how Tommy was the only one who could calm Phar Lap and their deep bond, even during their journey to America.
Bringing the Jazz Age to the Stage
Phar Lap's life and career coincided with the Great Depression, a time of global poverty following the Wall Street crash of 1929. To capture the essence of the 1930s, Kramer drew upon the music of that era, jazz and swing, but with a modern twist - electro-swing, inspired by Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby.
Richards, on the other hand, sees similarities between the jazz age of the 1920s and 1930s and today, especially in terms of rising fascism and the challenges people face financially.
Racing, Gambling, and Changing Attitudes
The premieres of these musicals come at a time when attitudes towards horse racing are evolving. The industry has faced backlash, particularly after the 2013 Melbourne Cup incident and the alleged mistreatment of retired racehorses. Animal rights advocates are calling for changes to improve the welfare of these animals.
At the same time, gambling, a significant part of horse racing, is a growing concern in Australia, with Australians losing about $32 billion a year, the highest per capita losses in the world. A senate inquiry recommended a ban on gambling advertising, but this measure has been shelved.
In Kramer's musical, the attempt on Phar Lap's life is linked to the greed associated with gambling, highlighting the darker side of the racing industry.
Richards takes a different approach in her musical, focusing on Phar Lap's athletic prowess and his impact as a sporting hero and public figure, rather than the controversies surrounding the industry.
Catch These Musicals
Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical is showing at the Hayes Theatre in Sydney until November 22. The Wonder Horse! The Life & Afterlife of Phar Lap (The Racehorse) will be at Motley Bauhaus in Melbourne from November 4-8.
Don't miss your chance to witness these unique interpretations of Phar Lap's story and join the conversation about the changing landscape of horse racing and gambling in Australia.
