What's Happening:

Created and performed by Emma Louise Pursey and directed by the incomparable Susie Dee, WHERE IS JOY? is a powerful new solo theatre work that draws first-wave Melbourne modernist Joy Hester from the margins and places her centre stage.

The WHERE IS JOY? inaugural season runs from 30 Oct-9 Nov 2025 at fortyfivedownstairs

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Endorsed by Heide MoMA and the Canberra Museum and Gallery
Supported by City of Melbourne, Robert Salzer Foundation and the Australian Cultural Fund 

'Exceptional...you had everyone captivated till the last moment.' Kendrah Morgan, Head Curator, Heide MoMA
'It's going to be great. Joy would be thrilled.' Barbara Blackman AO (Glass After Glass, All My Januaries) 
'You called your play WHERE IS JOY?...You've found her.' Janine Burke (Joy Hester, Dear Sun, The Heart Garden, Australian Gothic)

Emma will produce and star in Sam Shepard’s FOOL FOR LOVE, directed by Sean Mee, former Artistic Director of La Boite Theatre Co. with original music by Mick Harvey (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, PJ Harvey)

APATA Member Spotlight
'Emma's work is unbelievably profound. She demands total presence, concentration and an insatiable curiosity of oneself.' 

APATA Podcast Interview
'Pursey’s point of view is thorough and highly evocative of a life dedicated to exploration of the ‘possible’.