Retelling the infamous narrative of Ned Kelly

The life and times of Australia’s most talked about bushranger will be staged at next month’s Word for Word National Non-Fiction Festival in Geelong.

Performed by Australian broadcaster Derek Guille and showcasing original music from Ashley Davies, The Ned Kelly Show features a number of storytelling methods including archival imagery and a live music score.

Guille, who narrates the show live, said the previous version of the production had a pre-recorded narration. He also said working alongside Davies had been an “enormously” enjoyable experience.

“(Ashley Davies) is a wonderful composer and a great writer. He has a great vision on how things can look and how the story can be told through music.

“It’s (the show) sort of an emotional rollercoaster, really. It’s a complex, human story.

“And the channel of the story is not telling people that they are wrong in their assessments; the more knowledge you have, the better off you are in the sense of being able to come up with a refined conclusion about it all.”

The multimedia production was made possible thanks to the acclaimed research carried out by the late Ian Jones.

Guille said each element created a “historical build-up” to the retelling of the narrative, particularly the evocative relationship between the music and photographs.

“It’s a story that needs to be told. I’ve done a few things for Word for Word, and I’ve always enjoyed my level of involvement with the festival.

“It’s (the festival) a great idea and it’s a testament to the idea that it continues to grow and be supported. It’s a fantastic thing, these events, because it provides answers for people. It’s a great opportunity to be part of that storytelling.”

Australian musicians Michael Lewitt, Monique DiMattina, Rosie Westbrook and Shannon Bourne will perform alongside Ashley Davies as part of the production.

The Ned Kelly Show will be staged on November 17 at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre. Pre-show drinks and canapes will be available on the balcony before the show from 3.30pm.

Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, head to wordforwordfestival.com.au.