General News
15 February, 2024
Theatre Troupe unveils its next production
THE Terang Theatre Troupe will reunite with acclaimed director Terrance O'Connell next month to tell the story of a mother's loss, and a nation's obsession.
Three of the subjects which have divided Australia were conscription, Whitlam and Lindy Chamberlain.
Mrs Chamberlain, and her husband Michael, made international headlines in 1980 after reporting their two-month-old daughter, Azaria, had been taken by a dingo during a family camping trip.
The subsequent media circus, the wildfire rumours, over-zealous police and a flawed legal system were laid bare in the electric play ‘Letters to Lindy’, published in 2017 Alana Valentine, who Mr O’Connell referred to as “Australia’s preeminent verbatim theatre writer”.
“After the success of Minefields and Miniskirts, Terang Theatre Troupe returns with a 10-strong cast to present another iconic story on stage, which is part courtroom drama, part forensic procedural, and a bold theatrical event, with its intimate portrayal of Lindy Chamberlain caught in the eye of the storm,” Mr O’Connell said.
“Over three decades, from baby Azaria’s death to the final coroner’s report, the public’s fascination with Lindy never waned.
“The National Library holds a collection of more than 20,000 letters written to Lindy.
“The play draws on this correspondence and interviews with Lindy herself, revealing the dialogue between Lindy and the nation, a portrait of the wisdom and resilience of a grieving mother.”
Mr O’Connell has staged some 200 productions of theatre, circus and cabaret across Australia and internationally.
Last year he helped to bring the productions of Minefields and Miniskirts to Terang, which raised curtains to sold out performances across its season and drew high praise from attendees for its polish and showcasing of the talent which the south west has to offer.
The season of Letters to Lindy will take place in the historic surrounds of Terang’s Old Courthouse with performances on March 15, 16, 23, 24 at 7.30pm and March 18 and 25 at 3pm.