The Colour of Fire
by Nadia Fragnito
directed by JOHN WOOD
with Kristof Kaczmarek, Suhasini Seelin, Elizabeth O'Callaghan & Ben Freeland
Winner of the Yarra Ranges-based Exit Theatre company’s 2014 script-writing competition, The Colour of Fire deals with post-bushfire trauma through the individual stories of a group of survivors as they attempt to overcome their loss and sadness.
Eva, Jack and Heather are all very different bushfire survivors. When their lives intersect at an anniversary they begin to discover that their pasts are more entangled than they first believed.
Followed by an art exhibition and series of community-based conversations.
We’re a part of nature’s wheel. And we know that new life will always come around again. So let’s keep movin’ forward, despite the pain, despite the scars.
- Nadia Fragnito
** Note: Full Price listed is for a double pass. Members may select single tickets.
I went to see this production at the Memo in Healesville. It was brilliantly acted, deep, moving and traumatic whilst funny in parts. The traumatic parts were because the realities of the Black Saturday fires were bought to the forefront, and the experiences of the survivors explored. I think that because we experienced them, and shared in people's fear and devastation, we could empathize with the stories being told, albeit we were lucky enough to experience it from a safe distance. The acting, especially by the main character drew you right in. I laughed, and I cried. It is a shame that there was not a larger audience, because it deserves one. Unfortunately, I think the subject will still hit too close to home for many - but if you are willing to put yourself through the discomfort of emotions, it really is worth seeing, and allowing yourself the time to process the full breadth of emotions and awareness that whilst it was a horrific event, the resilience shown by our communities, the love and support shown to each other, even by those who had lost everything is beautiful.