Actors make a platform for refugees
Hobart Mercury
15 September 2004
By Linda Smith
The plight of refugees and asylum seekers has always been something seasoned actor Anne Phelan felt passionate about.
So when a group of fellow actors approached her to become involved in a performance highlighting the real-life struggles these people face, she jumped at the chance.
Better known for her television roles in Something in the Air, Prisoner and Neighbours, Phelan has taken time out from her busy schedule to come to Hobart and raise refugee awareness through a performance of scripted spoken word and music.
The project Something to Declare began more than two years ago and was such a success that it has been touring ever since.
Actors contribute to the show unpaid, and all donations go to supporting refugees.
Phelan enjoys using her talents to benefit others.
'I think the biggest problem for any issue is people asking, 'What can I do?', she said. 'We felt refugees and asylum seekers' voices had been taken away from them so, as actors, we tell their stories.
'We're not doing anything outside our normal job but we are helping.'
She said she would stay involved in the project 'until every detention centre has closed.'
She speaks passionately about the stories of children who have spent their entire lives in detention, of qualified doctors and scientists who are now wasted working in abattoirs, and orchard workers so reverent of the fruit they pick because trees in their own country had either been blown up or never existed because of famine.
The documentary-style performance consists of real-life stories, facts, figures and government comment.
Phelan describes the show as 'a potentially life-changing experience' that is not for the faint-hearted.
Phelan will perform at Hobart's Theatre Royal tonight along with local actors John X, John Unicomb and Sara Cooper at 7pm. Entry is free.
15 September 2004
By Linda Smith
The plight of refugees and asylum seekers has always been something seasoned actor Anne Phelan felt passionate about.
So when a group of fellow actors approached her to become involved in a performance highlighting the real-life struggles these people face, she jumped at the chance.
Better known for her television roles in Something in the Air, Prisoner and Neighbours, Phelan has taken time out from her busy schedule to come to Hobart and raise refugee awareness through a performance of scripted spoken word and music.
The project Something to Declare began more than two years ago and was such a success that it has been touring ever since.
Actors contribute to the show unpaid, and all donations go to supporting refugees.
Phelan enjoys using her talents to benefit others.
'I think the biggest problem for any issue is people asking, 'What can I do?', she said. 'We felt refugees and asylum seekers' voices had been taken away from them so, as actors, we tell their stories.
'We're not doing anything outside our normal job but we are helping.'
She said she would stay involved in the project 'until every detention centre has closed.'
She speaks passionately about the stories of children who have spent their entire lives in detention, of qualified doctors and scientists who are now wasted working in abattoirs, and orchard workers so reverent of the fruit they pick because trees in their own country had either been blown up or never existed because of famine.
The documentary-style performance consists of real-life stories, facts, figures and government comment.
Phelan describes the show as 'a potentially life-changing experience' that is not for the faint-hearted.
Phelan will perform at Hobart's Theatre Royal tonight along with local actors John X, John Unicomb and Sara Cooper at 7pm. Entry is free.
posted by Actors for Refugees at 6:08 PM
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