What drives someone to fight for a country that doesn’t recognise them as a citizen? How do you keep fighting in an unjust world and why?
1914: Conflict on all fronts. 1939: A soldier at home and abroad. 1945: A stranger on his own land. Allan McDonald, a “Fighting Gunditjmara” man from South-West Victoria, was one of the State’s first Indigenous soldiers to enlist for war.
Allan fought at some of WWIs most famous campaigns, including Gallipoli and Beersheba – only to be denied a soldier’s settlement on his ultimate return to Australia, and forced from his traditional land at the Lake Condah Mission.
The Mission explores the story of Allan McDonald, as investigated by his great great nephew and fellow Gunditjmara man, award winning actor Tom Molyneux (The Nose; The Ministry), alongside award winning director James Jackson (The Nose), and in collaboration with Gunditjmara Elders and community members.
This verbatim theatre piece draws strength and stories from ancestors, past and present – with a story about not giving up on what you believe in, and fighting for justice, whatever the cost.
The Mission
Studio 1 – Arts House, 521 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne
Season continues to 29 September 2018
Information and Bookings: www.melbournefringe.com.au
Image: The Mission – photo by John Collopy