Time of courage

By Shaun Inguanzo
SIR Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop is a true Australian icon.
Rarely has any man’s deeds captured the Australian ethos like Weary’s.
Many believe that his spirit, energy and bravery reflect the true Australia, or at least the Australia most of us like to imagine exists.
Inspired by this great Australian, noted playwright and actor Alan Hopgood OA, has teamed up with critically acclaimed director Roger Hodgman to create the first theatrical work based on the life of Weary Dunlop.
Starring Ronald Falk, Samuel Johnson and Dion Mills, Weary: The Story of Sir Edward Dunlop is a powerful piece of theatre.
It evokes strong images of compassion, heroism and courage.
Australian Governor General Sir Michael Jeffreys has publicly praised the production, saying it is a “wonderful production every Australian must see.”
In this two act play, the hopes, fears, cruelty, courage, loyalty, treachery, and above all, mateship that were all consuming in the building of the Burma – Thailand railway are played out on stage by the three award winning actors.
Not burdened by sadism and sorrow, Hopgood intersperses a good deal of Australian humour in the play – the kind that sustained Australian troops through their darkest hours.
The humour, when coupled with Weary’s enormous courage and strength, gives an inkling as to why this terrible chapter of Australia’s history didn’t claim even more lives.
Regional Arts Victoria is touring Weary: The Story of Sir Edward Dunlop to Victorian audiences this July.
The tour, supported by Arts Victoria and the Community Support Fund, is coming to the Drum Theatre in Dandenong on Wednesday, 25 July at 8pm.
To book tickets call the Drum box office on 9771 6666.