AWARD winning actor Noni Hazlehurst says far more must be done to combat family violence, addiction and homelessness.
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Hazlehurst was in Ballarat to promote her latest play Mother, which explores the struggles of a 60-year-old homeless woman, whose life has been riddled with addiction, abuse and post-natal depression.
“I have absolute empathy with her, and with most people in life,” Hazlehurst said of her character Christie.
“We all have trials in life, we all make bad decisions.”
The one-woman show may appear grim, but Hazlehurst said it reflected on important issues.
“The arts is an essential way to present issues like this,” she said.
She hopes the play will encourage people to reflect on how and why they judge those around them.
“It’s a plea for understanding that every human being has a story to tell.”
Hazlehurst denied homeless people were ‘leaners’, saying, there were “more leaners at the top”.
“We are really only reaching the tip of the iceberg on these issues,” she said
“It’s not the odd headline you get here and there, and the odd lip service paid to Rosie Batty, while refuges are being closed down.
“There’s a real need for understanding in the community.”
Mother, written by Daniel Keene, will be performed at Her Majesty’s until August 1.