AusLeisure

Perth Theatre Trust’s new partnership with the Perth International Arts Festival will see a critically acclaimed production about Indigenous soldiers who served during World War One performed in Western Australia.

The Queensland Theatre Company’s Black Diggers is to be staged at the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia from 3rd to 7th March as part of the 2015 Perth Festival.

Announcing the production, Western Australian Culture and the Arts Minister John Day stated “it is fitting that such a significant Australian production should mark the first collaboration between the Perth Theatre Trust and the Perth International Arts Festival.

“The production tells an extremely important ANZAC story - the largely unknown contribution of hundreds of indigenous soldiers, who signed up to defend their country during (the) First World War, in spite of not being recognised as citizens.

“Black Diggers tells stories of their war experiences, their pride in their contribution, and of the strong friendships that were formed between soldiers in a situation where colour was immaterial.

“It also tells the stories of the treatment they received in the aftermath of the war in a time of very different values to those we share today.

“The commemoration of the centenary of ANZAC is a time to remember the sacrifices of all those who served, and their part in our nation’s history.”

Black Diggers, directed by Wesley Enoch and written by Tom Wright, draws on interviews of the families of soldiers, veterans, academics and extensive research.

Click here for more information on the Perth International Arts Festival.

Image courtesy of Queensland Theatre Company.

3rd November 2014 - NATIONAL ANZAC CENTRE OPENS TO COINCIDE WITH WWI FLEET DEPARTURE COMMEMORATION

12th April 2014 - WESTERN AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TAKES BACK MANAGEMENT OF MAJOR THEATRES

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.