SNAPSHOTS from Home is a lively recreation of life in Queensland during the Second World War.
Margery Forde’s award-winning play utilises the memories—and actual words—of real people who were young at the time. The impact of the war, from early nervous uncertainty to the weary relief of victory, unfolds through multiple smaller stories.
This was a time when every girl wanted to look like Rita Hayworth. In every home, the radio relayed war news as well as the dance tunes of the period. Music augments the collage of anecdotes and reflections. This includes live music as the actors belt out popular songs around a piano on stage.
Running at the Maleny Playhouse on select dates from 25 April to May 11, the play recreates a time when air raid drills at school, anxious radio bulletins, and the sudden absence of loved ones in uniform were everyday realities. Yet, despite the fears and uncertainties, life continued—American soldiers arrived, dances were held, and music played on.
With actors performing rousing period songs live on stage, Snapshots from Home offers a rich, immersive theatrical experience.
Originally commissioned in 1995 to dramatise oral history interviews, Margery Forde sifted through countless transcripts to assemble a poignant collage of reminiscences. From the jittery early days of war to the exhausted relief of victory, these stories range from the humorous to the heart-wrenching. Director Patricia Lovell has embraced the challenges of staging this piece of ‘verbatim theatre’, where actors take on multiple roles to bring history to life.
Performances will be held at the Maleny Playhouse on April 25, 26, 27 and May 3, 4, 10, 11. Tickets are available through TryBooking and the Maleny Visitor Information Centre.
