VOLUNTEERS and people loyal to their regional communities are the inspiration behind Margaret Hickey’s play Us.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The playwright grew up in small towns before arriving in Bendigo when she was 13.
She wrote Us three years ago. It will have its Bendigo premiere on October 9.
“Bendigo was my home for my formative years. I’ve got great school friends here and my parents, brother are still here,” Ms Hickey said.
“I think Bendigo has grown and really evolved. We have become more proud.
“With the art gallery, theatres and the food and wine, we are still a golden city but we’re not clinging onto just places like Central Deborah Gold Mine. We still have that going for us it but (the city) has evolved.”
Us is a series of monologues based on characters and observations Ms Hickey picked up while growing up in a regional town.
Places like Long Gully and Colbinabbin feature in the production.
“Colbo have been brilliant. We rang (the football club) and asked if it was OK that we referenced them in the play,” Ms Hickey said.
“They have been so helpful. They have given us the number ‘1’ footy jumper for the play and coach Andrew McTaggert has been on the phone helping promote it through the footy club, which is great.”
Country football and it’s role in communities is something that fascinates Ms Hickey.
“Local footy is a really interesting thing that ties communities. People might not go to church as much anymore but still have these clubs that they are really tied to,” Ms Hickey said.
“There are those country towns that survive on not much but the local footy clubs, like Colbo, have very successful team. There's loyalty there.
“There’s that loyalty and pride that sees people volunteer each week. That’s what I love. That loyalty of unsung heroes and that rural connection to a place.”
On opening night, Ms Hickey is sure she will be nervous despite knowing the production is out of her hand.
“I’m confident that it’s a good show. I know it's good, the actors are amazing but I'm nervous,” she said.
“The writer gets to sit nervously in audience and is discreet. I feel really removed, the play has become director’s and actors’ now.
“You’ve got to trust the director and actors. That's part of writer's lot.”
Us hosts its Bendigo premiere at the Engine Room in View Street on October 9 at 8pm. It also has two performances on October 10 at 2pm and 8pm.
For tickets log on to www.thecapital.com.au/Whats_On
Us has also sold out at La Mama in Carlton.