Riverside presents Australian Theatre for Young People’s
A TOWN NAMED WAR BOY
By Ross Mueller
“We hit Cairo like a train!…Every dirty little alley, every dusty back room bar – the pyramids are marvellous, but I could spend the rest of my days quite happily in the arms of your temptation.”
Based on the State Library of NSW’s jaw-dropping collection of First World War diaries, photographs and letters, A Town Named War Boy brings to life the gripping personal accounts of four young men who set sail for the far side of the world.
Some of these diaries and letters are finished, others just stop. When you read them you meet the person, see the changes in their handwriting, feel the indentation of the pen, the smudges of changed thoughts. Our young past is captured, alive and preserved.
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.
“The most moving Anzac experience of all.” – The Australian
Suitable for: Ages 14+ and their families
Please Note: This production contains mild swearing
Dates & Times:
Tuesday 12 June at 7:30pm
Wednesday 13 June at 11am
Wednesday 13 June at 7:30pm
Thursday 14 June at 11am
A Town Named War Boy has been commissioned and developed by Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) in partnership with the State Library of New South Wales, and is toured by Performing Lines in association with Arts on Tour. This tour has been supported by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body; and the New South Wales Government through Create NSW.
Photo by Luke Stambouliah. Design by Justin Stambouliah
Director
Fraser Corfield
Designer
Adrienn Lord
Lighting Designer
Emma Lockhart-Wilson
Composer
Steve Francis
Sound Designer
Alistair Wallace
Production Manager
Jason Thelwell
Stage/Company Manager
Rebecca Poulter
Production Photos
Tracey Schramm
Cast
Ryan Morgan as Tom
Josh McElroy as Snow
Edward McKenna as Huddo
Simon Croker as John
Producers
ATYP with State Library of NSW
A Performing Lines tour in association with Arts On Tour
Suitable for Years 9 – 12
FROM THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR
We are delighted to be presenting the Sydney exclusive season of this wonderful project. Set in modern Australia, A Town Named War Boy uses contemporary language and brilliant performances to bring us an insight into the human impact of war as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. Inspired by letters and diaries, this is a great way for students to see how the arts can breathe life into historical events through dramatisation. Also, being from ATYP, it’s for young people, which is rare when it comes to shows about World War I making it more engaging for a teenage audience.
CURRICULUM LINKS
Download the Curriculum Links here: A Town Named War Boy Curriculum Links
SCHOOLS BOOKINGS
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ACCESS
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