UPDATE ON “TOTAL FIRE BAN”

First performed at the Helensburgh Workermen’s Club in June last year, Total Fire Ban is a mixed media performance based on the major bushfires of Christmas 2001. The show has been made relevant to other bushfire-affected communities, and has since been since in Sutherland and Shoalhaven districts, with plans for the Blue Mountains already underway. The show is currently being performed in Wollongong at the Bridge Theatre (Theatre South), Bridge Street, Coniston, on Friday and Saturday, February 28, March 1, 7 and 8, at 8pm, all nights.

Residents of Helensburgh, Stanwell Tops, Darkes Forest, Otford and Stanwell Park will find much to recognise and share in this unique work. The work is also unique in featuring contributions from several local artists - Kate and Max Conyngham (songs), Jenny Jackson (images) and Geoffrey Sykes (writing). It also features outstanding contributions from a team of Illawarra actors and director.

Whether or not locals saw it last time, they are invited to catch up with it while it is in Wollongong. Prices are affordable, with special group and family tickets. So why not make a date of it? Some proceeds of the show will be going to the Wollongong Rural Fire Service.

It is planned to take this piece to other places - as a local resident you are welcome to support it, and tell others in Helensburgh and on the coast, who will also find much of relevance. More than a piece of drama, Total Fire Ban is based on interviews with residents, especially in the Northern Illawarra, and is about real people and the feelings and issues that arise in the too common phenomenon of bushfires.

Bookings are available at Redback Music (42296169) or the theatre on 42296144, with tickets available at the door. Enquiries can be made at 4294 1695.