Bonegilla-The migrant’s journey: A live multimedia show in Ballarat

BALLARAT will soon be treated to a multi media show entitled Bonegilla – The migrant’s journey at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts.

The presentation is the brain child of former Ballarat resident, Simon Reich.

Simon’s father immigrated to Australia from war torn Berlin, just like hundreds of thousands of other European refugees after World War Two, so this project has a very personal connection.

The multimedia show runs for 90 minutes and features filmed firsthand interviews with people from various European countries. These play on one screen.

A second screen includes migrants’ own photographs and videos.

The stage is decorated with donated goods from former migrants, including their cases, toys, books and items they used upon their arrival to Australia.

Immersive sound design compliments the touching stories and a violin and grand piano live music soundtrack is played for the complete running time.

Even though the title has the Bonegilla migrant camp in it, it is not necessarily about the camp, but more about the migrant experience of post war refugees and their stories of survival, transportation and trying to fit into the insular country Australia was in the late 1940’s-1960’s.

This show is nothing like a dry and dusty history lesson. It is a multimedia presentation, and the migrants tell of their war experiences, why they wanted to traveled to the other side of the world and how they fared in their newly adopted country.

At times it’s tragic, disheartening and racist, but ultimately, it’s a feel-good story of gutsy and inspirational people who created the backbone of Australian society.

You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. But most of all you’ll be truly inspired by these gutsy pioneers to a country they knew nothing about.

Simon has noted that many relatives of migrant’s were never fully told by their elders, the struggles they went through, so this show has proved a much needed resource to fill in the gaps of relatives knowledge and to garner added respect for their elders sacrifice to find a peaceful new home for their offspring. Therefore, the show is very informative but at the same time proving to be an inspiring, artistic and entertaining performance.

Book your tickets now, as this show is nearly 3/4 full and is definitely a show not to be missed.

Bonegilla-The migrant’s journey Saturday 9 November at 2pm.

Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts.

5338 0980, wcpa.com.au or the box office at 1220 Howitt Street for tickets.

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