Entertainers unite to tell the tales of refugees
Star
3 February 2004
The Tampa affair shocked many people into action. Melissa Hadley reports.
A small group of distinguished actors will descend on Newport to perform in aid of refugees this month.
Actors for Refugees will perform Club Refuge at Newport Community Hall on Sunday, 22 February, to raise money for OXFAM Community Aid Abroad.
The performance is an amalgamation of various stories heard by the actors while they visited refugees in Australian detention centres.
Former Neighbours actor Diana Greentree is part of the Newport show and said most of the actors became involved after learning of the plight of some refugees.
'Expect a star-studded cast, some humour and satire, but poignant true stories of refugees,' Ms Greentree said.
'It came about after meeting people in detention centres and hearing (about their experiences) first-hand,' she said.
More than 100 actors from across Australia make up Actors for Refugees, which Ms Greentree said was triggered by news of the children overboard scandal.
'We've all got a different story, but most of us were moved by the Tampa crisis,' she said.
Anne Phelan, who has appeared in Something in the Air and Marshall's Law, said those rewriting stories from the refugees were careful not to distort the messages.
'It's a theatrical representation but we've been very, very careful that we didn't stray from the real story,' she said.
Ms Phelan said many people who saw Club Refuge changed their thinking on the situation of refugees in Australia.
She said the experience helped audiences realise the seriousness of the stories being told and brought a sense of reality to the situation.
'It's the ones who come out of curiosity that usually find the experience the most moving because they are so shocked at how little our leaders have let come out,' Ms Phelan said.
'It's also human contact for them. They realise it could be their uncle or their aunt.'
Ms Greentree said the truth of the situation could become too much for some audience members, but the performance nearly always had a positive effect on them.
'We get people in tears after they've seen a show asking how they can help,' she said.
'Other people who come say they are re-energised and re-inspired to help.'
Club Refuge plays at the Newport Community Hall in Mason Street from 2.30pm on 22 February.
It stars Anne Phelan, Diana Greentree, Jeremy Lindsay Taylor from Secret Life of Us, Bruce Myles from Melbourne Theatre Company and musician Rebecca Spalding.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for concession and child, with all proceeds going to refugees and Oxfam Community Aid Abroad.
For booking and inquiries, contact Marise on 9398 0548.
3 February 2004
The Tampa affair shocked many people into action. Melissa Hadley reports.
A small group of distinguished actors will descend on Newport to perform in aid of refugees this month.
Actors for Refugees will perform Club Refuge at Newport Community Hall on Sunday, 22 February, to raise money for OXFAM Community Aid Abroad.
The performance is an amalgamation of various stories heard by the actors while they visited refugees in Australian detention centres.
Former Neighbours actor Diana Greentree is part of the Newport show and said most of the actors became involved after learning of the plight of some refugees.
'Expect a star-studded cast, some humour and satire, but poignant true stories of refugees,' Ms Greentree said.
'It came about after meeting people in detention centres and hearing (about their experiences) first-hand,' she said.
More than 100 actors from across Australia make up Actors for Refugees, which Ms Greentree said was triggered by news of the children overboard scandal.
'We've all got a different story, but most of us were moved by the Tampa crisis,' she said.
Anne Phelan, who has appeared in Something in the Air and Marshall's Law, said those rewriting stories from the refugees were careful not to distort the messages.
'It's a theatrical representation but we've been very, very careful that we didn't stray from the real story,' she said.
Ms Phelan said many people who saw Club Refuge changed their thinking on the situation of refugees in Australia.
She said the experience helped audiences realise the seriousness of the stories being told and brought a sense of reality to the situation.
'It's the ones who come out of curiosity that usually find the experience the most moving because they are so shocked at how little our leaders have let come out,' Ms Phelan said.
'It's also human contact for them. They realise it could be their uncle or their aunt.'
Ms Greentree said the truth of the situation could become too much for some audience members, but the performance nearly always had a positive effect on them.
'We get people in tears after they've seen a show asking how they can help,' she said.
'Other people who come say they are re-energised and re-inspired to help.'
Club Refuge plays at the Newport Community Hall in Mason Street from 2.30pm on 22 February.
It stars Anne Phelan, Diana Greentree, Jeremy Lindsay Taylor from Secret Life of Us, Bruce Myles from Melbourne Theatre Company and musician Rebecca Spalding.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for concession and child, with all proceeds going to refugees and Oxfam Community Aid Abroad.
For booking and inquiries, contact Marise on 9398 0548.
posted by Actors for Refugees at 6:13 PM
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