Theatre tackles Anzac legend
Productions by Goldfields performance groups are set to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli landings with two unique productions.
In Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Goldfields Repertory Club will explore conflicting ideas of the meaning of Anzac Day through the controversial Australian play The One Day of the Year.
Directed by club veteran David Holle, The One Day of the Year encompasses a time in Australian history when people had vastly different opinions on Anzac Day.
Set in the 1950s, the play concerns university student Hughie Cook, who helps his girlfriend write an article criticising Anzac Day, which upsets his ex-serviceman father Alf.
Holle said the father-son conflict captured a moment in Australian history where opinions clashed on what the national day of remembrance should symbolise.
"When you had the returned servicemen get together for Anzac Day, they'd use it as a chance to catch up with their comrades who they hadn't seen for the rest of the year … but invariably they would get quite intoxicated," he said.
"There was almost a bit of a falling off in the popularity of Anzac Day in the 1950s and 60s, because you were getting these young people coming through and seeing what this national day was becoming and not liking it."
Meanwhile in Esperance, senior theatre group, the Super Troupers, will present Esperance Remembers and the Troupers Play On, featuring a musical arrangement of famous melodies from both world wars.
Co-director Lesley Higson said the group was expecting a bumper crowd.
"We're hoping we do get a good turnout, and that people will remember those times, those soldiers and everyone involved who went to war, and especially those that didn't return," she said.
The cast of 25 seniors will perform about 20 songs such as The White Cliffs of Dover, We'll Meet Again, Look for the Silver Lining and Lili Marleen.
Esperance Remembers and the Troupers Play On opens on Saturday at 7.30pm and tickets are available from the Esperance Civic Centre, library and visitors' centre.
The One Day of the Year will premiere on Friday at 7.30pm, with tickets available from the Goldfields Arts Centre or at the door.
