Following an incredible sold-out season at the State Library of NSW in 2015, Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) presents A Town Named War Boy by award-winning playwright Ross Mueller at Riverside Theatres from 12 June 2018.
Drawing on the Library’s jaw-dropping collection of World War One diaries, photographs and letters, A Town Named War Boy breathes life into the personal accounts of four young men who set sail for the far side of the world. One of those young men is Snow, an army signaller returned to Australia from the Dardanelles minus a hand and with a head full of voices of the mates he went to war with and left behind at Lone Pine.
Interweaving stories of mateship and scenes of war this profound and gripping production provides insight into the experiences of Australian soldiers, award-winning playwright Ross Mueller shows his extraordinary talent in this funny and moving play that sold-out in its premiere Sydney season.
“It’s pretty clear that the anniversary is a grand reminder of the sacrifices that young people made for freedom and their nation,” said Playwright Ross Mueller. “The diaries remind us that we must learn from history. The voices are raw, honest and young. Full of wisdom gleaned from a vicious experience.”
Shining a light on the human face of war are an exceptional young cast including Josh McElroy (Sport for Jove’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), Simon Croker (Dead Man Walking, State Theatre), Edward McKenna (Actors Centre Australia 2014) and Ryan Morgan (The Crossing – ABC Online).
Originally co-commissioned by ATYP and the State Library of NSW in 2015 to mark the ANZAC Centenary, the production returns to Sydney for the Riverside season at the end of its national tour and in the final year of the commemorations. Riverside Theatres has presented work over the four years around the themes including dance, music and theatre.
“This profound and gripping production interweaves stories of mateship and scenes of war to provide insights into the experiences of Australian soldiers,” said Robert Love AM, Director of Riverside Theatres. “A Town Named War Boy is a perfect way to round off the four years of the themed programming.”
Director: Fraser Corfield Featuring: Simon Croker, Josh McElroy, Edward McKenna, Ryan Morgan Designer: Adrienn Lord Lighting Designer: Emma Lockhart-Wilson Composer: Steve Francis Sound Designer: Alistair Wallace Production Manager: Jason Thelwell Stage/Company Manager: Rebecca Poulter
A Town Named War Boy
Lennox Theatre – Riverside Theatre, Corner Church and Market Streets, Parramatta
Season: 12 – 14 June 2018
Information and Bookings: www.riversideparramatta.com.au
Image: photo – Luke Stambouliah / design – Justin Stambouliah