Local culture queen, Karen Jocobsen has once again risen to the top and this time she casts her eye on equality, looking to change the narrative of exclusion by promoting inclusion across gender, race and ability.
Using Julia Gillard’s impassioned ‘Misogyny Speech’ from 2012, Karen delivers a politically-charged, heart-filled opus that brings together 70 inspiring individuals from right around the world to mime lyrics alongside her own beautiful voice.
Three of those inspiring people are local faces; Councillor Jan Clifford, Photographer Debbie Savvy and founder of the Just Saying Project, Fallon Drewett.
Karen recounts the moment she first thought of the idea when watching a show on the ABC entitled Ms Represented which discusses the history of women in Australian politics and was narrated by Annabel Crabb.
“I ran straight to my computer and searched for the transcript of the speech,” she said.
“I took it to my piano and started to compose – I was so compelled – I spent four hours on that occasion before bringing my head up for air!”
As soon as she did rise for air, Karen realised that this project was much bigger than she first thought.
She asked a few fellow creatives about copyright laws and eventually went directly to Julia Gillard’s media team who gave her the go-ahead to use the words as lyrics.
This gave permission for Karen to embark on a project that would take her over a year, pulling together 70 hand-selected individuals from all across the world, dividing the script into 14 and allocating each participant with their set words.
The result is a masterpiece of meaningful and spirited compassion that demands attention in a soft and invigorating way.
“It was important to have a representative and inclusive music video,” said Karen.
“There are different cultures, ages and levels of ability – it’s a really diverse mix.”
From Hollywood producer Lucy Arnaz to Channel Seven news reader Kim McGrath and Queensland’s first quadriplegic medical doctor Dinesh Palipana, the video features many celebrities and influential people from around the globe.
“My intention is to spark a conversation and empower all of us to act and talk in a way that is in line with humanity and equality,” said Karen.
“So many of our devastating societal issues are the result of one group thinking they are superior than the other – it’s so denigrating.”
“On a personal note, being female, I have been on the receiving end of it my whole life.
“It is in the micro-agendas, in the language and in the systems – so much can be done to stop it by bringing awareness.”
Karen’s song ‘Better Standard Than This’ was released last week and has so far been watched by over 20,000 people on YouTube.
The Misogyny Opus full pop-orchestral work will be performed live with Karen at the MECC this February.
Break out quote
"Misogyny Opus that marks a decade of the speech that rocked the world"
International songwriter and professional speaker Karen Jacobsen uses famous speech for Misogyny Opus. Photo supplied
