From the frontline
THE dangerous world of the people who report from war zones is the focus of a new production opening in Geelong this month.
THE dangerous world of the people who report from war zones is the focus of a new production opening in Geelong this month.
Set in the Balkans, East Timor and Iraq, Bare Witness follows a team of complicated characters who share the strong bond of being war photojournalists.
The production will perform a six-show run at Geelong Performing Arts Centre, opening on October 30.
Created by playwright Mari Lourey and directed by Nadja Kostich, Bare Witness looks at the real-life experiences of photojournalists as they grapple with the moral and physical challenges of reporting from war frontlines.
‘‘This play shines a light on the changing world of war correspondents where once they were protected and now they have become a part of the story,’’ Lourey said.
‘‘Researching this play, I became intoxicated with the world of photojournalism. What makes someone become a foreign correspondent or photographer, mostly always with enormous personal consequences, is at the heart of my writing this play.
‘‘I also wanted to pay tribute to their courage in telling the real story of people’s struggle and suffering.’’
The main protagonist, Dannie, is played by AFI Award winner, Daniela Farinacci ( Lantana).
The cast also includes Todd MacDonald ( The Secret Life of Us, Rush), Adam McConvell, Eugenia Fragos and Ray Chong Nee.
Bare Witness will be performed at GPAC from October 30–November 3 in the Drama Theatre.
GPAC has also announced new dates for Belvoir’s Death of a Salesman, starring Colin Friels and Genevieve Lemon.
The Geelong season of Arthur Miller’s masterpiece was postponed in August after Friels collapsed on stage in Sydney.
He has since made a full recovery and will perform at The Playhouse from November 8–11.
Tickets are on sale. Phone GPAC Box Office on 5225 1200 or visit gpac.org.au