Housework play explores life inside Australia's Parliament House

The Sydney Theatre Company is premiering Housework, a new black comedy written by South Australian playwright Emily Steel. The play is inspired by Steel’s conversations with Australian politicians and parliamentary staff.

Starring Indira Naidoo, Emily Taheny, and Susie Youssef, the production explores the lives of those working within Parliament House in Canberra. Naidoo performs two roles, including a cleaner, to highlight the divide between those who hold political power and the overlooked staff members who support the institution. The story examines the personal and demanding nature of political work, including the challenges faced by staff and lawmakers regarding work-life balance and living conditions in Canberra.