Bernie McKinlay
In Square One: The Journey to Bernie, Bernie invites us to join her, as she traces the arc of her life and the pursuit of her true self, through song, image and prose.
Her tale commences in early 1960s Brisbane, where a four-year-old Bernie dreams of becoming a go-go dancer, despite the influence of the era's gender norms and conservatism. Navigating the confines and confusion of girlhood in the 60s and 70s, Bernie arrives at young adulthood in the 80s to the realisation that she is gay. This is the tumultuous era of Joh Bjelke-Petersen, police clashes, and the Fitzgerald Inquiry. This is the era when the homosexuals are portrayed as deviants, pedophiles and criminals. This is the time of government driven discrimination.
Navigating this treacherous terrain within the confines of Catholic Education, Bernie becomes adept at concealing her identity. Driven by a desire for authenticity, Bernie breaks free from these oppressive forces, embracing newfound freedom. An opportunity in New York beckons, where she finds love, celebration of diversity and fulfilment.
Returning full circle, Bernie, the once-aspiring go-go dancer, now stands proudly on stage, celebrating her authentic self. She’s back to Square One.
Presented by PIP Theatre
