Photos: Emily Chalk.
For most actors, performing a new show in front of an audience for the first time is a nerve-wracking experience. But when Cassandra Woodhouse brought her latest one-woman show to the stage, she had no fear because she’d already faced the toughest crowd imaginable – Kiwi acting royalty Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Michael Hurst.
“Performing in front of them solo is harder than doing it in front of thousands of people,” laughs the 42-year-old. “I feel so incredibly lucky that I’ve had the chance to work with them, but also that they’re now my friends.”
When Cassandra founded the NZ Theatre Company in 2020, she knew she wanted advice from the best. She called Jennifer, hoping to have an hour of her time, but never imagined the former New Zealander of the Year would agree to direct her first one-woman show.
“I found a play I loved and I said to her, ‘I don’t know how to find a director.’ She said, ‘You could always ask me!’”
Bringing the show to life alongside Jennifer was a dream come true. However, Cassandra admits she felt burnt out and didn’t think she would ever take on a solo project again.
But when Cassandra saw Jodie Comer’s performance of Prima Facie at the movies in 2022, she had an unshakeable feeling she had to bring the play to Kiwi audiences. Once again, she had the support of Jennifer, this time with her husband, Xena: Warrior Princess star Michael, as director.
“I went home and applied for the rights,” recalls Cassandra. “I knew I had to do it – it felt bigger than me. If it had called to me that strongly, I had to find a way to do it.”
Prima Facie, written by Suzie Miller, follows the story of a lawyer who, after spending her career defending men accused of sexual assault, is forced to confront her view of the legal system when she is assaulted.
It was an emotional experience bringing the story to the stage last year. Cassandra felt especially moved by how many young people connected with the show and felt safe opening up about their own experiences.
So, for her return season, Cassandra has teamed up with Tauranga-based service Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support. They’ll offer free tickets to high school and university students, and provide psychologists at every performance for those in need.
It’s an important mission for Cassandra, as she has a teen daughter, Jolie, whom she shares with her husband, Manawatū Jets coach Tony Webster. Like any mother, she constantly thinks about how to keep her child safe as she becomes more independent.
“From the moment Jolie was born, I have honoured my instincts about protecting her,” shares Cassandra. “She’s never really been to sleepovers – we get to know the families of her friends and we don’t let her go with anyone we don’t feel safe with. To some, that might seem overprotective, but I’ve always been aware about what’s going on in the world.”
Initially, Cassandra was nervous about how the 15-year-old would handle the confronting material when she saw the show. But it was through Jolie that Cassandra realised why she had been called to tell this story.
“With the older generation, there’s the attitude of, ‘We don’t speak about it.’ And those people carry it with them for the rest of their lives, which is so sad because it’s not their burden to carry.
“Jolie was a great representation of all the young people who see the show. They’re hungry to know more. They want to know how to keep safe, who they can talk to when something has happened. They want support.”
Cassandra is touring Prima Facie across the North Island from March 8 to July 27. For dates and tickets, visit nztheatrecompany.com
Help is here
Safe to Talk – 0800 044 334 or free text 4334 for help to do with sexual harm. Available 24/7 and staffed by trained counsellors.
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