GHOSTS of the Geelong Gaol brought back to life

Set in the very walls the events took place, a local theatre company is performing a historically-based production at the Geelong Gaol this month.

Soldiers Under Sentence, written by Geelong-based Ryan O’Connor is a play based on a night the papers at the time called “that fateful night”, which took place at the Geelong Gaol.

The night will unfold at the Gaol once again, but this time, Someone New Theatre Company will bring the events to night in story form.

Someone New Theatre Company production manager Jo Lusty said the show was an opportunity to exhibit an essential link to the past, preserve wartime local cultural heritage with the stories of the soldiers who were held at the gaol for military offences during the time of World War II.

“Having a locally-written script about an event that no one in the area really knows about is a unique thing to work with for actors and crew alike. You have to put a lot of thought into how you bring a real story to life and do it justice,” Lusty said.

“Having a live performance in any non-traditional space is significant, presenting unique challenges and benefits, as the stones tell the story’s history.

“You have to figure out how to use the space practically without taking attention away from how awesome the space is. There’s a real balance there.”

The show is set during World War II, when the Geelong Gaol became a military detention barracks known as the 8th Australian Detention Barracks or Geelong Detention Barracks, housing those incarcerated for military offences, including members of the Army, Navy and Air Force along with a small number of international soldiers.

Local actor and cast member Ethan Cook, who plays Provost in the production, said Soldiers Under Sentence was not only a fascinating tale of a little-known Geelong historical event, but also a moving, shocking, and often genuinely funny and heart-warming theatre production.

“Being able to perform the play where the events actually transpired is both unique and chilling. You can feel the soldiers who lived through these events peering over your shoulder,” Cook said.

“People should expect to be thoroughly entertained by a historical event, which just so happens to be one of Geelong’s most unique, and haunted, buildings.

“Laugh, cry and learn something compelling in the process.”

Cast member Stephanie Grapsas, who plays Corporal, said the gaol itself has a unique and entertaining atmosphere.

“I feel that the significance comes from the ambience of the space and being in the same environment experienced by the escapees,” Grapsas said.

“It’s an interesting and insightful show about a historical event that happened in Geelong. With the show revealing unheard perspectives about the past.”

“It’s funny, engaging and disturbing at times.”

The performance dates are from November 10 to 20 at the Old Geelong Gaol.

To book your tickets or find out more, head to someonenew.com.au/soldiers-under-sentence.