Set against the vast landscape of world conflict from World War One to contemporary times, four women unite across a century to share their personal stories of active service in the military.
Lilian, a surgeon in her fifties, denied military service in World War One, travels abroad to join The Scottish Women's Hospital, serving in the remote Balkan snowfields. In World War Two, Mary, a specialist radiologist, she too denied service with the Australian Army, finds herself the only woman among 3000 British troops bound for the Middle East. As a peacekeeper on active service in Iraq, young doctor Tam, plagued by dreams of fleeing war-torn Saigon, reconciles her own refugee experience while rehabilitating the displaced Kurdish people. Catherine, a surgeon in Afghanistan, reflects on the journeys of the remarkable women who paved the way for her own experience as a modern military doctor. In these and myriad stories of revelation, loss, struggle and kinship; moments of hope and humour punctuate the otherwise harrowing task of conflict medicine.
Written and researched over two years by Carolyn Bock and Helen Hopkins, The Shift Theatre brings together a fine ensemble cast and creative team under the direction of Catherine Hill.
Founded in 2009 by Carolyn Bock and Helen Hopkins, The Shift Theatre is focused on presenting dynamic works with strong roles for women, both from existing texts and in the development of new works. Hallowed Ground is their second collaboration as writers and was initially supported during research and development by the ANZAC Centenary Arts and Culture Fund and presented as a work in progress at La Mama Explorations in 2016. Their first work The Girls in Grey enjoyed a three-year touring life. With a special presentation at The Australian War Memorial in July, this August premiere season will be followed by a regional Victorian tour in 2019 through Regional Arts Victoria with plans afoot for further tours. Our sincere thanks to Leidos our corporate sponsors and Ret Col Susan Neuhaus for her mentorship.
Written by Carolyn Bock and Helen Hopkins
Directed by Catherine Hill
Performed by Carolyn Bock, Jean Goodwin, Helen Hopkins and Chi Nguyen
Set design by Meg White
Lighting design by Richard Vabre
Sound design by Abe Pogos
Stage Manager Steph Young
Dates: 8 -19 August 2018
Time: Wed 6.30pm | Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pm | Sun 4pm
Duration: Approximately 80 minutes
Venue: La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton
Tickets: Full $30 | Concession $20
Bookings: 03 9347 6948 or
www.lamama.com.au
