Anglesea play The Hope Song returns to Geelong this weekend following a sold-out season at La Mama Courthouse in Melbourne.
Award-winning Surf Coast writer Janet Brown was delighted her “verbatim” play would come to Geelong during Mental Health Week.
“It’s fantastic this play continues to interest audiences,” she said.
“It’s great that Geelong audiences will now be able to see the show.“
Brown based the play’s dialogue verbatim on interviews with mental illness patients.
“I thought it would be a really powerful way to illuminate the issues and experiences of people with mental health challenges,” she said.
“It was interesting and humbling when people shared their experiences with me.”
Anglesea Performing Arts’ ensemble first performed the play last October on the Surf Coast for Mental Health Week.
“They’re such a talented company and many of them are from Geelong,” Brown said.
Iris Walshe-Howling was the first season’s director but Janine McKenzie had joined her to co-direct the third season, Brown said.
“Iris and Janine have a very sensitive and creative vision for the play,” she said.
“Each production is different, and this time I’m looking forward to seeing Tim Hulsman perform the songs that are part of the performance.”
Anglesea Performing Arts and Women with Disabilities Victoria Barwon will present The Hope Song at Geelong Courthouse Theatre this Friday and Saturday.
