Multimedia show shares migrant journeys

BENDIGO will soon be treated to a multimedia show entitled Bonegilla – The Migrant’s Journey at the Bendigo Baptist Church auditorium.

The presentation is the brainchild of Simon Reich.

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

The multimedia show runs for 90 minutes and features first-hand 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 in Australia.

Immersive sound design complements 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 1940s-1960s.

The 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 travel to the other side of the world, and how they fared in their newly adopted country.

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

The show is very informative but at the same time is proving to be an inspiring, artistic and entertaining performance.

Book your tickets now, as these shows often sell out.

Bonegilla – The Migrant’s Journey will be screen on Saturday 14 February at 2pm at the Bendigo Baptist Church auditorium. The venue is at 757 McIvor Hwy, Junortoun. To secure your seats, search “Bonegilla” on trybooking.com or scan the QR code.

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