As we embark on the centenary of ANZAC, Skin Of Our Teeth Productions presents a performance dedicated to memory, The Long Shadow, playing at the Shenton Theatre from 22nd-25th April. The performance will consist of two plays and we caught up with one of the writers and directors, Christine Davey.
Hi Christine, thanks so much for chatting to us, how has the preparation for the show been going?
The show is going really well. The actors are fantastic, the set is remarkable in its simplicity and now we are working on all the vital aspects such as timing, being in the moment, telling the story of these two plays. The plays themselves are certainly not a ‘celebration’ of war. They form a distinct investigation of what it all means – for us today – for those left behind – for all who went before.
Two plays will be performed, with Sandy (written by Janet Brown) and The Thing With Feathers, could you please tell us a little bit about these?
Sandy, by Janet Brown, is the story of the only war horse (Sandy) to return to Australian shores after the First World War. Not many people know he even existed, let alone that he made it home and managed to live out his days in relative safety. This play follows the journey of Sandy and all the people in his life – from soldiers to farmers, mothers to Major Generals. It is a beautiful, thought provoking play that investigates a little-known aspect of the war. The second play, The Thing With Feathers, is my play and follows the journey of a mother, searing for information surrounding her son, who has been reported missing on the Western Front in 1917. The play is based on my own family history – this mother wrote letter after letter in an attempt to find out what happened to her boy. I think it’s a sentiment that still resonates very strongly today.
Your play was based on your own families experiences, how important is ANZAC Day to you and your family today?
Anzac Day is extremely important to me. Not only due to my family of generations ago, but my own father, Allan Davey, passed away on Anzac Day in 2009. He served in New Guinea during the Second World War, so the day has an extra special significance for my family.
How do you view the importance of educating today youth on events now a centuary old?
It is fascinating to see the resurgence in ‘popularity’ of Anzac Day. Certainly we should be investigating what this day actually means for us as a society, but I think we need to be careful not to ‘glorify’ any of these events. Any soldier will explain that war is an awful thing. Perhaps the best way we can educate young people is by telling them the facts, and letting them make up their own minds. It is amazing to think how very much we have all been affected by events of a hundred years ago. A whole generation was lost. How could it not be important?
Who would you recommend getting along to see the performance?
This production is suitable for young and old. These are stories about people, first and foremost, They are funny, sad, thoughtful, beautiful, informative and haunting. I hope everyone gets something out of these plays.
When & Where:
Shenton Theatre (cnr Ryrie and Garden Streets Geelong, Victoria 3220)
April 22, 23, 24, 25 at 8pm (And also 2pm on Saturday 25th)
Tickets through: Trybooking
