John Hunter in Costumes for The Kiwis Revue, Melbourne, c1946 Photograph by Boothorn Studios Arts Centre Melbourne, Performing Arts Collection
focusinterview. Programme for the revues We’re in the Army Now and Stars in Your Eyes, Tivoli Theatre, Sydney, 1941 Arts Centre Melbourne, Performing Arts Collection
T H E A T R E S
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WAR E N T E RTA I N M E N T A N D T H E AUST R A L I A N EXPERIENCE
The power of entertainment is such that it can often provide respite and relief, even during times of hardship and tragedy. Theatres of War is an exhibition
highlighting the importance of music and theatre to Aussie troops who have been involved with military conflicts since the First World War. Curator Margaret Marshall from the Arts Centre Melbourne shares some highlights of the exhibition, which will be on display at the Glasshouse this month …
i Margaret. Please introduce us to your role at the Arts Centre Melbourne, and explain what's involved ... I am one of the curators working with Arts Centre Melbourne’s Performing Arts Collection, which is the largest specialist collection of Australia’s circus, dance, opera, music and theatre heritage. My main responsibility is the subject area of theatre. As a curator, part of my role is to develop exhibitions. This involves coming up with themes and stories, undertaking research and writing, and selecting the objects to be displayed. The other side of my job involves building our collection by working with people and companies who wish to donate material. Theatres of War - Wartime Entertainment and the Australian Experience is an interesting topic! How did the idea for this exhibition originate? The idea for the exhibition was born over 10 years ago! I have an interest in the First World War period and my colleague, Carolyn Laffan, Curator (Music) is drawn to the Second World War. Through our work we discovered many fascinating - and often surprising - stories about performing arts during times of war. The Centenary of ANZAC provided the ideal opportunity for us to co-curate Theatres of War. What period of history - and what military conflicts - does this exhibition cover (roughly)? As well as the First and Second World Wars, the exhibition also looks at the Vietnam War and more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and peacekeeping missions in East Timor. However, rather than displaying the material in chronological order, we decided to present the 4 greater port macquarie focus.
exhibition in three themes, as a way of drawing together stories from different times. The theme “On the Home Front” looks at performers’ wartime fundraising efforts and how the performing arts have been used for both patriotism and protest. “On Active Service” examines the role of military concert parties and the influence of wartime activities on the professional careers of performers. Finally, “Entertaining the Troops” provides an insight into the experiences of Australians who have performed in areas of conflict. Based upon your experience curating this exhibition, what are some of the interesting facts you've uncovered about how wartime entertainment assisted Australian troops? I was intrigued by the fact that shows staged by servicemen in the field were officially endorsed by the military during both World Wars. Concert parties established from within the ranks played a vital role in boosting morale and providing relief from the horrors of war. Troupe members combined onstage duties with active military service, and shows were staged in makeshift theatres, often within close proximity of gunfire. Concerts were even staged in prisoner-of-war camps. Brigadier General John Monash was the patron of a First World War Australian concert party called The Coo-ees. He was very proud of his troupe and even sent two female impersonators to London to purchase wigs, gloves, shoes and frocks to enhance their performances! Another thing that stuck me while curating the exhibition is just how important concerts given by visiting Australians are for those serving overseas. Even today, when digital technology enables music and movies to be accessed from afar, there is still something special about a live concert by Aussie artists. Not only do these events provide
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a means of temporary escapism for service personnel, they are also a tangible connection to home. It's fascinating for many of us to get a grasp on where items for exhibitions such as these come from. How do you go about sourcing items ahead of an exhibition? The Performing Arts Collection was our starting point for the exhibition and is the source of the majority of material. We have been fortunate to borrow rare items from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, including programs from the First World War and musical instruments made and used in Changi. We also approached several performers, who have kindly lent material relating to their personal experiences. These include comedians Hamish and Andy, who broadcast their radio show from Afghanistan; Patti Newton, who performed for troops in Vietnam; and the Dili All Stars’ Paulie Stewart, who was involved in concerts in East Timor. The families of Norman Hetherington (creator of Mr Squiggle) and Doc Neeson, the legendary front-man of The Angels, have also lent material relating to their wartime involvement. What are some of the various types of work we'll be able to view at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery? Theatres of War contains a range of object types, including photographs, posters, sheet music for popular songs, personal letters and scrapbooks. There are items as diverse as silk flags signed and auctioned by opera singer Nellie Melba to raise funds for the Red Cross, a wonderful makeup case from the Second World
War, a guitar made in Changi from found materials including old petrol tins, and the dress worn by Kylie Minogue to entertain troops in East Timor. There are evocative sound recordings, including readings from diaries, letters and scripts. Also included is footage of singer Patricia Amphlett (Little Pattie) reflecting on her harrowing experience of being airlifted to safety in Vietnam at the age of just 17. You'll also be doing a presentation at the Glasshouse on February 18, at 11am. What are some of the topics/points of interest you're hoping to cover with your presentation? My presentation will take the form of a floor talk, so it will be a walk through the exhibition and discussion about some of the highlights. I will give an insight into how the exhibition was put together and reveal stories behind key objects. Where can interested readers find out more info about Theatres of War? There is further information on the Glasshouse Regional Gallery website. Visitors to the exhibition will also be able to take home a fold-out room brochure which provides extra information about the topic and wonderful coloured images. Thanks Margaret. Interview by Jo Robinson. See Theatres of War at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery from Feb 18 - April 28. Exhibition Opening: 17 Feb, 6pm. Bookings essential. Meet the Curator with Margaret Marshall: 18 Feb, 11am. Bookings essential.