New stories at Eureka Centre

TALKING History @ Eureka, a new initiative of free talks at the Eureka Centre, will explore recent examination of Ballarat’s history.

A range of speakers, the likes of academics, writers and independent researchers, from diverse fields will present their findings and stories on the first Tuesday of each month.

“Professional academics who have researched and written papers on particular topics will share their knowledge with the audience,” Sarah Van de Wouw, Education Officer at Eureka Centre said.

Ms Van de Wouw said there is lot of interest in Eureka from the community and a lot of varied opinions.

“It is a hugely contested issue, so rather than refreshing the Eureka story, the aim of the lectures is look and present at as many perspectives as we possibly can,” she said. “We are broadening the conversation on Eureka.”

For the first talk in the series, Ailsa Brackley du Bois, Creative Director at The Editorial Suite, will introduce Ballarat’s theatrical scene prior to the Eureka Stockade.

She describes that scene as a “dramatic overload of masculine, youthful and hedonistic energy concentrated within key venues.

“What I will be presenting is lost original knowledge, particularly about the social and cultural environment of the time, so it will be new to the audience,” Ms Brackley du Bois said.

Fascinated by the atmosphere and magic of theatre, Ms Brackley du Bois will present information she has gathered while researching for a Masters of Arts in Writing and Literature at Deakin University.

The first Talking History @ Eureka lecture is at Eureka Centre, 102 Stawell Street South, Ballarat on Tuesday, 3 September commencing at 5.30pm.