This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first nuclear test at Maralinga in South Australia. To acknowledge this important occasion in Australia’s history the premiere season of Maralinga is being launched. This is a ‘verbatim’ theatre production which is part of a longer-term international collaboration between theatre workers and nuclear veterans in both Australia and Britain.
Despite promises to the contrary, Australian and British nuclear veterans have been fighting for their lives and for their rights for 50 years. The World premiere of the play, Maralinga tells the stories of Nuclear vets who served as ‘guinea pigs’ for British Nuclear Testing in the 1950s.
On the 50 year anniversary of the first test. Maralinga aims to help veterans by broadcasting their shocking true stories. The play bears witness to the nation’s great ‘nuclear cover-up’ at the new Ettalong War Memorial Club, from August 30th.
This anniversary and production are particularly relevant at this time as we are witnessing the potential for a new nuclear arms race with a new generation of nuclear weapons.
Writer/Producer Dr Paul Brown worked with Australian and British theatre companies, Belvoir St Theatre and Bluetongue Theatre to create Maralinga. In addition to the important stories being told, Dr Brown also discussed the significance of bringing together different generations to share a story that should not be forgotten: “The development of the play has promoted an important connection between younger generations of performers and researchers with the experience of veterans from 50 years ago”.
Director, Wesley Enoch fresh from a successful season of Capricornia at Belvoir St Theatre in Sydney directs a cast including Roy Billing (Run Rabbit Run), Tina Bursill (from the award-winning Double Act and Aftershocks) and Jason Klarwein (Capricornia and Bad Arse Monowinged Angel).
WHERE and WHEN? Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club. Bookings: 4343 0111.
Wednesday 30: 1pm Opening/Preview
Thursday 31: 11am matinee
Friday 1 September: 1pm and 7.30pm
Saturday 2 September: 1pm and 7.30pm
Sunday 3 September: 5pm.
COST $20. Concession $10.
For more details, interviews or opportunities to photograph rehearsals, contact James Arvanitakis on 0438-454-127
