BACK TO ME

A one-woman musical journey about holding on to your voice when life is unyielding. BACK TO ME: A Musical Journey of Survival is a powerful new musical following one woman’s journey from despair to empowerment as she fights to reclaim her life after fleeing family violence. Featuring a mix of original songs and retro recordings, live music, projections and sound effects, BACK TO ME takes the audience on a deeply moving journey from Tilly's darkest days, living in her car and in constant fear, through finding the courage to seek help, navigate the Court system and finally secure safe housing and a new job as an early childhood educator. “This show is so powerful. It doesn’t focus on blame but seeks to create understanding and, certainly, empathy. I was very moved." Roula - audience member. The script and original music was written by award-winning songwriter Penelope Swales in collaboration with Jules De Cinque, with a song contributed by NZ songstress Victoria Vigenser. Penelope Swales is a musician, actor and former human rights lawyer who has been articulating the human condition with passion and humour for over three decades. As a musician, she has toured extensively and released numerous recordings. Her acting credits include The Good Girl Song Project’s "Voyage" which was nominated for 3 Green Room Awards in 2022. Swales worked as a duty lawyer for Victoria Legal Aid. Jules De Cinque is a writer and educator. She was a physical performer and musician with the Women’s Circus from 1994 to 2005 and performed in The Conference of the Birds in Gippsland in 2024 and 2025. As a teacher and mentor, she worked extensively with disadvantaged youth and women for 40 years. BACK TO ME is directed by Dr Margie Mackay, a Gippsland-based artist whose productions have ranged from intimate indoor shows to epic scale community ceremonies. Known for working with fire, projection, music, dance effigies and puppetry, her work is diverse and interdisciplinary. Mackay is currently directing Conference of the Birds, a community-based art walk and performance. Presenting Artist or Company The collective who created and produced BACK TO ME are all working artists and musicians based