Currently playing at the Lind Theatre in Nambour is an extraordinary true and stunning drama about women interned during WW2 called Song of Survival.
The play by Eleanor Harder and Ray Harder and based on the Book by Helen Coljin is a moving adaptation beautifully directed by Glenda Campi.
The story of Australian, Dutch and English women captives of the Japanese and how a real-life choir deep in the Sumatran jungle helped keep spirits high amid the brutality and squalor. It tells of the amazing, uplifting influence on the prisoners.
They survived three-and-a-half years in a Japanese prison camp in Sumatra during World War Two singing the music of Beethoven, Schubert and Chopin which even some of their captors
The acting by the talented Lind Theatre cast is earnest and raw with the actors taking the audience on the emotional ride of small wins and devastating losses.
The portrayal of teacher and missionary Margaret Dryburgh and professional chorale conductor Norah Chambers were played beautifully and Sharon Grimley’s depiction of ‘Old Helen’ was a highlight.
Director, Ms Campi said these are powerful moments in time which should never be forgotten.
She said she recalls many years ago watching the emotionally charged movie, Paradise Road and it struck a chord, and wondered if a play had been written on the subject.
With her love of documentary dramas, Glenda said she was on the search and happily found the book Song of Survival Women Interned of Helen Colijn’s extraordinary account of the three and a half years of imprisonment during World War 11 in the camps on Sumatra.
She said, “Dutch, Australian, and English women prisoners sustained themselves by creating a unique vocal orchestra lead by musicians Margaret Dryburgh and Norah Chambers and their amazing memories of the beautiful music such as that of Bach and Beethoven the play by Ray and Eleanor Harder were based on this remarkable true story.”
Glenda shared with the cast her amazement of the power, the everyday grit, and courage of these inspiring women and children, amid the brutality and squalor, while trying to keep their spirits raised.
The Camp Score written, arranged, and edited by Margaret Dryburgh and Norah Chambers with musical direction by Naomi Craddock-CADMA
Ms Campi said, “It was fitting with Anzac Day being on Opening Night our time of remembrance for those who fought, suffered, and died for our freedom, this is the most opportune time to acknowledge the little-known story of the uplifting influence of the singing group at Lind Lane Theatre’s Song of Survival.”
The season continues to run from April 30 until May 3 with bookings available at website lindlane.com.au/whats-on and enquiries to 1300 732 764.
