As the production prepares for its gala night at the Chapel Theatre this Friday, August 8, Mr Wright promised an evocative and thoughtful performance from two seasoned and highly polished local actors.

“They’re terrific,” he said.

“I could not have asked for two better actors.”

As much the embodiment of the largely untold saga of Australian women and non-combatants in World War II as it is an indictment against the nation’s seeming indifference to these citizens during that time, Ms Turner and Ms Lynn take on the acclaimed roles of the down-to-earth Australian Army nurse Bridie and the civilian English lady Sheila reunited half a century after the end of the war in 1945 to appear on screen coordinated by a naive documentary filmmaker.

Accompanied by the creative and sophisticated use of voice-overs and complex soundtracks, Mr Wright said sound combines elegantly with the acting performances to create a challenging and emotional portrayal of the years when the world was in conflict and the traumatised victims who were largely left to ‘just get on with life’.

Since its publication in 1996, the script has found increasing popularity as a high school resource for capturing the experience of war and transferring reality into the realm of the dramatic, prompting Mr Wright to recommend the local production to all ages.

“This will really appeal to an all-age audience,” he said.

“It is a compelling story, and very emotional, and our actors bring it to life on stage.”

“Anyone who sees the play will be really taken in.”

Teaming up with local language teacher Mercurius Goldstein, who provides his multi-lingual talents in voice-over to the Japanese soldiers that oversee Bridie’s and Sheila’s internment in a Japanese prisoner of war camp – along with fellow local performers Jodie Muckenschnabel as a young Sheila and Gigha Goldman as a young Bridie – the performance captures the myriad local creative and performing talents in a show that has been dubbed “a slice of potent historical evidence”.

Following a special pensioners performance tomorrow night, there’s a  gala evening this Friday hosted by the Glen lnnes Masonic Lodge. Tickets (from Carelles) are selling fast and the event is a major community fundraiser. Doors open for drinks and supper at the Chapel Theatre from 7pm for 7.30pm with the play commencing at 8pm sharp.

The play continues with 8pm evening performances this Saturday and Tuesday, August 12, as well as Thursday, Friday and Saturday (August 14, 15 and 16), with a 2pm matinee performance this Sunday August 10).