The Lighthouse Girl Saga
The Lighthouse Girl Saga
COMO THEATRE JULY 6 - 14
When the world is dark with war, courage and heart light the way home.
Written by Jenny Davis and Hellie Turner. Directed by Stuart Halusz. Featuring Sienna Cate, Isaac Diamond and Nick Maclaine.
Based on the novels by award-winning author Dianne Wolfer
The Lighthouse Girl Saga is a sweeping story of ordinary people living in extraordinary times: a tale of courage, resilience, hope and love.
A bold adaptation by two of WA’s leading and award-winning playwrights, Jenny Davis OAM and Hellie Turner, this epic production blends four award-winning novels by West Australian writer, Dianne Wolfer: Lighthouse Girl, Light Horse Boy, In the Lamplight and The Last Light Horse into a compelling and immersive theatrical event.
Striking visuals, evocative sound and innovative staging transports the audience with the First AIF convoy as it embarks from King George sound and farewells Australia from the beacon of the lighthouse at Breaksea Island, to the hell of Gallipoli, the mud in the trenches at the Western Front, a nurse’s compassion in rural England and peaceful horizons in country Victoria. Journey with Fay, Charlie, Jim, Rose and Sandy, the only warhorse to return to Australia of the 136,000 sent to war, across seas and through the mire of war as their intersecting stories culminate in the forging of the ANZAC spirit and a love that conquers all.
THEATRE 180 Artistic Director says:
“The surging narrative of Dianne Wolfer’s Lighthouse Series of books has found its way into the Australian psyche, from the desks of primary school students to teenagers and adults alike, the interconnected stories offer something for everyone.” Halusz says. “Embedded in the ANZAC legacy and juxtaposed against the brutality and futility of war is a deeply felt love story: love of country, love of family, love of horses and the Australian bush, and of course the young love that blossoms between two people who find themselves even amidst the chaos of a world at war.”
Image: Stewart Thorpe Photography
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Congratulations! This was amazing! 100% worth seeing. Get yourself some tix if you haven’t already! This is the beautiful Dianne Wolfer’s fantastic Lighthouse series illuminated on the big screen, and live performance that captured the heart of each story, cleverly combining all four stories int one epic masterpiece.
- Dora Adeline
Loved the acting and cinematography mix. Incredible performance, storytelling and history that is right on our doorstep and beyond. Thank you to all involved!
- Narelle Wakefield
Went to see The Lighthouse Girl Saga in Albany this morning. Absolutely brilliant! Amazing acting. Highly recommend going to see this if you can
- Jean Barrett
What a fabulous and moving presentation based on the Anzac’s experience of WWI. It was particularly poignant watcjing it in Albany where they left Australia – most for the last time
- Anne-Marie Farley
What a fabulous production. The actors, the story, the set, the effects, music, everything. Just wonderfully put together. It was emotional, it showed the tragedy of war, but also a love story. The audience was enthralled. It was a well-deserved standing ovation!
- Bob Rees
We absolutely loved it! Congratulations on an amazing production. Brilliant.
- Jo MacInnes
Wow! What a show! Acting, story, sound, cinematography – truly amazing – congrats to all!
- Gilly McBride
What an absolute pleasure to be part of this moving stage production that does Albany proud. Congratulations THEATRE 180! They earnt a standing ovation: what a story!
- 10th Light Horse Bunbury Troop, Albany
Congratulations, the show was brilliant and the standing ovation was so deserving to all those involved.
- Louise Sawle
The standing ovation! What an incredible production, congrats to everyone involved! Can’t wait to see it again!
- Claire Metcalfe
An outstanding performance. Very much appreciated!
- Lea Pederson
To witness Dianne Wolfer’s award-winning Light Series of books live on stage through a fabulous adaptation by award-winning writers Jenny Davis and Hellie Turner was truly moving. The Lighthouse Girl Saga is a sweeping story of ordinary people living in extraordinary times: a tale of courage, resilience, hope and love. I highly recommend watching this world-class production.
- Rebecca Stephens MLA
Had the privilege of attending the Grand Opening performance of THEATRE 180’s The lighthouse Girl Saga. Based on the novels by Albany’s very own Dianne Wolfer. Skilfully adapted for the stage by stage writers Jenny Davis & Hellie Turner, superbly directed by Stuart Halusz and performed with such heart and conviction by the THEATRE 180 actors. A spectacular fusion of theatre and cinema…Prepare to be deeply moved.
- Billie-Jo Whitbread
Director Stuart Halusz delivers the expert stagecraft required to tell the story with an excellent cast...An accessible, instructive and powerful introduction to one of the most visceral, elemental times in our nation's history.
- David Zampatti, Seesaw Magazine
An emotive, beautifully drawn story...An emotional rollercoaster of a show...The imagery is amazing, with the visual design by Gneiss Design and production by Sunburnt Films featuring a wonderfully edited combination of archival footage, original film, photographs and images from the books...This should probably be compulsory viewing for all Australian school students as its ability to touch the heart, while relating actual events, is an eye-opening perspective of Australian history...A gorgeous production that deserves to be seen by all.
- Kimberley Shaw, Stage Whispers
The Team
Author
Dianne Wolfer
Script Writers
Jenny Davis
Hellie Turner
Director
Stuart Halusz
Cast
Sienna Cate
Isaac Diamond
Nick Maclaine
Sound Design & Programmer
Ben Collins
Visual Designer
Gneiss Design
Visual Production
Sunburnt Films
Costume Designer
Lynn Ferguson
Theme Song Composer
Craig Skelton
Production Manager
Garry Ferguson
Stage Manager
Aaron Stirk
Assistant Stage Manager
Craig Williams
Additional Information & Acknowledgements
Thank You To:
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As an independent, not-for-profit theatre company, we welcome any form of support. Donations of $2.00 or more are tax-deductible.
The THEATRE 180 Public Fund (ABN: 33 042 434 145) is a tax deductible fund listed on the Australian Government’s Register of Cultural Organisations maintained under Subdivision 30-F of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
ALL DONATIONS ARE MAINTAINED IN A SPECIAL PUBLIC FUND ADMINISTRATED BY THEATRE 180 AND THESE FUNDS WILL ONLY BE USED FOR THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF THE ORGANISATION.
THEATRE 180 Public Fund
Robin Tunnicliffe FCPA CPM, Jenny Davis OAM, Stuart Halusz
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