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Chifley To Be Portrayed On Stage In ‘A Local Man’Ben Chifley has been called Australia's best-loved Prime Minister. His life story, from humble Bathurst engine driver to national leader, has become one of Australia's iconic legends. But what of the man behind the politician? By Latrobe City - 29th March 2007 - Back to News The Keep Breathing Productions and Tony Barry Enterprises co-production of ‘A Local Man’ provides the answers and will be performed at the Latrobe Performing Arts Centre in Traralgon on Tuesday 3 April 2007 at 8pm.
Latrobe’s Performing Arts and Venues Coordinator, Kathleen Roberts, said that the play was a poignant and powerful portrayal of a great Australian.
"This heartfelt production starring well-known Australian actor, Tony Barry, who has appeared in television series such as ‘All Saints’ and ‘Water Rats’ and films such as ‘Paperback Hero’, offers a striking resonance for our current times, and will move those who remember and captivate those who never knew the enigmatic story of Ben Chifley.
"Bob Ellis and Robin McLachlan's biographical monologue, directed by Bill Blaikie, premiered in Bathurst two years ago. The generously paced and detailed, history-rich account is set in 1951, with Chifley preparing what would be the last speech of his life," Ms Roberts explained.
"Having recently led his party to its second defeat at the polls, it is a time of great personal and political challenge for the Labor leader. The dreams Chifley had for post-war Australia lie shattered and his health is failing. His life now seems but an epilogue to earlier times of aspiration and power.
"For Chifley, it is a time for decisions and a time for reflection on his life as a national political leader and as a man – a local man.
"This is Australian drama at its best, with superb writing, directing and acting," Ms Roberts concluded.
A Local Man is being performed at the Latrobe Performing Arts in Traralgon on Tuesday 3 April at 8pm. Tickets are available from the Box Office on 5176 3559.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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