ANZAC Stories Come To Life In A TOWN NAMED WARBOY At Riverside Theatres

Following an incredible sold-out season at the State Library of NSW in 2015, Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) will present A Town Named Warboy by award-winning playwright Ross Mueller at Riverside Theatres from 12th to 13th June.

Drawing on the Library's jaw-dropping collection of World War One diaries, photographs and letters, A Town Named Warboy breathes life into the personal accounts of four young men who set sail for the far side of the world. One of those young men is Snow, an army signaller returned to Australia from the Dardanelles minus a hand and with a head full of voices of the mates he went to war with and left behind at Lone Pine.

Shining a light on the human face of war are an exceptional young cast including Josh McElroy (Sport for Jove's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest), Simon Croker (Dead Man Walking, State Theatre), Edward McKenna (Actors Centre Australia 2014) and Ryan Morgan (The Crossing - ABC Online).

Originally co-commissioned by ATYP and the State Library of NSW in 2015 to mark the ANZAC Centenary, the production returns to Sydney for the Riverside season at the end of its national tour and in the final year of the commemorations. Riverside Theatres has presented work over the four years around the themes including dance, music and theatre.

Playwright Ross Mueller said, "It's pretty clear that the anniversary is a grand reminder of the sacrifices that young people made for freedom and their nation. The diaries remind us that we must learn from history. The voices are raw, honest and young. Full of wisdom gleaned from a vicious experience."

Robert Love AM, Director of Riverside Theatres said, "This profound and gripping production interweaves stories of mateship and scenes of war to provide insights into the experiences of Australian soldiers. A Town Named War Boy is a perfect way to round off the four years of the themed programming."

Cast Josh McElroy, Simon Croker, Edward McKenna and Ryan Morgan Director Fraser Corfield Playwright Ross Mueller Design Adrienn Lord Lighting Design Emma Lockhart-Wilson Composer Steve Francis Sound Design Alistair Wallace.

When: 7.30pm on Tuesday 12th June and Wednesday 13th June
Where: Riverside Theatres - corner of Church and Market St, Parramatta
Tickets: Adult $31, Concession: $26. Discounts available for Riverside Theatres' Members.
Transaction fees: phone $4.60, web $3.60 and counter $2.60.
Bookings: https://riversideparramatta.com.au/show/war-boy/ or from the Box Office (02) 8839 3399
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du_pUqNtYx8

Suitable for: Ages 14+ years