The story of an adventurous and iconic Australian woman during one of history’s darkest periods, Nancy Wake, code name the ‘White Mouse’ – Gasworks Arts Park presents the world premiere season of Underground by Christine Croyden for a limited season from 7 March 2019.
Underground guides audiences through the emotional journey of Nancy’s life as it explores the theme of survival against the odds and questions the gulf between what we now know and what we knew in our youth, as well as the inevitability and futility of perspective. The passionate and feisty Nancy tells her own story, her own way, with trademark roguishness.
Nancy took many risks to fight for freedom and led over 2000 Resistance fighters, all men, in open confrontations to defeat Nazism. Was the price she paid too high? In a hallucinatory review of her life, Nancy’s story unfolds with humour and pathos, together with a cast of comrades from the forests of France. Among them a mysterious German spy and cabaret singer, who performs Marlene Dietrich’s most beloved songs.
Directed by Sara Grenfell (The Girl with the Green Ear, My Life in Art, Food, Vincent), Underground features Margot Knight (Prisoner, Blue Heelers, Skirts, The Dressmaker), who is joined by Emma Annand, Ezra Bix, Tori McCann and Billy Sloane, and featuring a design by Christina Logan-Bell, the unvarnished human behind the golden legend will emerge.
Writer Christine Croyden (The Cat’s Paw, A Stranger in Town, How to Survive an Earthquake, The World without Birds) has always held a fascination for the story of Nancy Wake. In 2017 Christine completed a playwriting residency in France, during which time she researched and walked the streets where the women of the French resistance operated. From the rich foundation of their letters and memoirs Underground was born.
Director: Sara Grenfell Featuring: Emma Annand, Ezra Bix, Margot Knight, Tori McCann, Billy Sloane Design: Christina Logan-Bell Lighting Design: Brooke Van Eerden Sound Design: Ryan Smedley Stage Manager: Rachel Nagy
Underground:
Gasworks Theatre – Gasworks Arts Park, 21 Graham Street, Albert Park
Season: 7 – 9 March 2019
Information and Bookings: www.gasworks.org.au
Following the Gasworks season, Underground will be presented at The Bowery Theatre, St Albans (15 March); Burrinja Cultural Centre, Upwey (16 March); Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkdale (4 April); and Knox Community Arts Centre, Bayswater (6 April).
Image: Underground (supplied)