The Melbourne actor has struck a nerve with This Is Eden – her outstanding debut as a writer.

The subject is confronting. Life as a female convict is no picnic in the park wearing your best bonnet and blue gloves (or white), sipping Early Grey tea.

The Cascades Female Factory was a cold, dark, wet, foul place and Goddard’s portrayal of Mary Ford’s life there will leave a disturbing imprint sure to haunt audiences long after This Is Eden finishes its world premiere run at the Butter Factory Theatre on Saturday night.

We are introduced to 1840s Australia by our tour guide, Jane, who indulges with a few “cellfies” and a history lesson on how far Australia’s thinking has advanced in 175 years. Jane is vital. 

Without Jane, the miserably sad life of Mary Ford – sent to a Hell on earth over a stolen chicken – would be almost too much to bear.

The minimal set (stretcher, blanket, two buckets and a book), lighting, dripping special effects and soundscape combine perfectly to transport you to a place no-one feels comfortable being in.

Star Goddard and director Susie Dee cleverly tell a compelling tale of our past while drawing comparisons with present day social dilemmas.

This Is Eden is first class and Border theatre-goers are just so, so, so, so, so lucky HotHouse Theatre has backed yet another winner.