The One Day of the Year
Theatre
April 16 - 29, 2016
Newcastle Theatre Company, 90 De Vitre St, Lambton NSW 2299
Newcastle, NSW
Website: http://newcastletheatrecompany.com.au/
Description
In 1958 playwright Alan Seymour was inspired to write The One Day of the Year after reading an article in the Sydney University newspaper Honi Soit, an article that questioned the significance of honouring an act of war, and the excessive drunkenness and violence that seemed to accompany this national holiday. However, as the author told his story he discovered a new respect for the struggle & the sacrifices of living through the first half of 20th Century, how it shaped the players and how it distanced them from the next generation. Through Hughie, the son, we look back into early 1960’s Australia as a time of growing pains and rebellion; he represents the hope for the future and signals the impending changes that shaped post war Australian culture.When The One Day of the Year was first performed in 1961 it caused much controversy. The play was not the representation that the RSL or the older generation wanted to entertain. But today this play is a popular, historic piece that sensitively examines a past culture and way of life that a lot of us can still remember, the days when no one locked their back doors and neighbours were your best friends.
Now almost 60 years later Newcastle Theatre Company is proud to present this Australian classic. The story is as much about family relationships and Father/Son conflict as it is about the range of attitudes over time to the Great Australian icon - Anzac Day. There is much humour and humanity in the play and the stellar cast of Philip McGrath, Jan Hunt, David Yarrow, Jarrod Sansom and Elissa Shand bring this iconic piece to life as the actors portray the characters with humour, honesty and empathy.
The local Australian Military Forces Re-enactment Unit will be a significant part of the evening’s displays together with a photographic and post card display from the First World War, an iconic “Two-Up Game” and an exhibition of uniquely Australian lamps created by Philip McGrath, displayed in the foyer. Don’t miss what promises to be a truly Aussie evening at your local theatre.
BOOK NOW by visiting our website and reserve your seat!