Arts Focus: Pearl: The Janis Joplin Story

Answered by: Chris Keeble, producer/director

Why should punters come see your production? This is the first production in Australia about Janis Joplin that pays homage to her great music, and also has a narrative threaded between the songs that tell the story of a trail blazer and the first real woman of rock who defied stereotypes and led the way. It’s not a typical cover band show... it’s much more.

What’s the history of the production? I was just interested in her story so one night I was listening to her music, having read her bio (a few of them) and the script started coming together in my head... So I wrote for eight hours through the night and had the first draft by sunrise!

Any advice for punters who want to come along? It’s not about us trying to pretend to be Janis Joplin; we are paying homage to her, telling her story and delivering her songs in a very cool, honest and independent way. It’s a real blues, vintage rock vibe, so bring out your inner flower child free love and dress how you like.

When and where: 13 Mar, Lizottes Sydney; 7 May, Laycock Street Theatre, Gosford; 16 May, Lizottes Newcastle; 22 May, The Vanguard; 20 Jun, Brass Monkey; 11 Jul, Heritage Hotel, Bulli; 29 Aug, EVAN Theatre, Penrith Panthers; and more

Website link for more info? pearljanisjoplin.com.au