Illawarra businesswoman Stella Stead is set to share her stories as a first-generation Australian raised in a traditional Calabrian family, in her one-woman show. Photo: Stella Stead.
The step from the boardroom to the theatre stage might seem a bridge too far for most, but for Illawarra business leader Stella Stead it comes naturally.
The business leadership and management consultant of over 20 years says she won’t so much as bat an eyelid as she gears up to stage a one-woman show – The Chaos, Comedy and Heart of Growing Up Calabrese – at IPAC’s Bruce Gordon Theatre next month.
“I guess it’ll be new to me in the sense that it’s theatre, but in another sense, I always feel like I’m on stage – through consulting and the workshops I run,” she says.
“I think it’s just how I am wired – I am very confident and always have been ever since I was a little girl.”
But rather than focusing on her career, as the name of the show suggests, the autobiographical production focuses on Stead’s story as a first-generation Australian raised in a traditional Calabrian family, unveiling stories of laughter, conflict and triumph.
“I invite you into my world — a world shaped by the passion, chaos, and love that come with growing up in a Calabrese family. I’ll share the highs and lows of what it means to be part of a family where food, love, and noise are never in short supply,” Stead says.
She says like many of her peers in the region, she grew up juggling Saturday Italian school with her job at the fruit market and trying to fit into life alongside her high school friends.
“I wanted to do Saturday sport and there was Saturday Italian school instead,” she says.
Stead will break out the accordion for one song after a 20-year hiatus. Photo: Sarah Croft.
Combining storytelling, music (the brief reappearance of an accordion after a 20-year hiatus) and imagery – all of which is very real – Stead says mining her past to create an honest, heartfelt love letter to the vibrant, close-knit culture that shaped her, meant inspiration was in abundant supply.
“I really feel my entire life up til now has been a rehearsal for this – I didn’t have to make any of it up,” she says.
“It’ll be my most unapologetic self up there. No need for embellishment or hours of scripted lines. It’ll feel like second nature.”
The content and Stead’s raw, au naturel approach appear to have struck a chord with audiences. Though not taking place until August, few tickets remain.
Stead credits the response to the show’s relatability.
“Even though it’s autobiographical, whether you’re familiar with Calabrese culture or just love hearing stories about family, tradition and heritage, the show resonates,” she says.
“More than anything, I think we need more laughter. I love bringing people together and this is an opportunity to share stories about my upbringing that many people will relate to.”
Though confident and armed with a recently oiled accordion, even the most fearless Calabrese admits stepping into the spotlight in such an unfiltered and personal way invites a whole new kind of vulnerability.
“Am I scared? Yes. And nervous. But also so excited to do this, and I don’t want to let fear stop me, then look back in 10 years and regret not taking that leap,” she says.
“Besides, I love to entertain people. I do it all the time. The only difference is, this time people are buying tickets.”
The Chaos, Comedy and Heart of Growing Up Calabrese takes place at Bruce Gordon Theatre in the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre on Saturday 2 August. On the night, audiences will have the opportunity to donate to Need A Feed, a local not-for-profit supporting those battling food insecurity, isolation and hardship. Tickets are available now and start at $48.
