In the late 1960s Australia was divided by its ever increasing diversity and ensuing racism, but at the height of the Vietnam War some people in the community were able to cast those prejudices aside and be drawn together by an enduring conflict against a common threat.
Michael Gow’s iconic play, Away, uses this backdrop to tell a nostalgic and inspiring tale of three families as they all face their own individual challenges and come together to support each other despite their differences.
Director Peter Farmer describes the play as “a delicious mixture of comedy, drama and social commentary on class, Vietnam and family”. Away conveys a story of redemption as the human spirit overcomes tragedy and despair.
This production is being performed by one of Sydney’s premier community theatre companies in Lane Cove Theatre Company. As Away is also a HSC syllabus text, this provides a fantastic opportunity for high school aged teens to see it performed live and in person, and so well. As an added bonus, following every Friday evening performance a Q&A session will be held, which could be an invaluable resource for students studying the play. (JA)
Until Apr 9. The Performance Space at St Aidan’s, 1 Christina St, Longueville. $15-$25 ($70 for a family pass). Tickets & info: lanecovetheatrecompany.com
