Playwright’s Notes

When I first met Sam Kelley just over two years ago, he talked about how much he loved the music on the CD “The Anzacs”, and about how the “toe-tapping music” so perfectly told a story about war and its effect on people’s lives. He was right.

Ted Egan, the singer/songwriter of most of the music on that CD and the author of the book that this play is based on, has been most generous in allowing us to use this material. I have been fortunate enough to be in contact with Mr. Egan several times via email. He has contributed many personal recollections and details about his mother, Grace (whom you will see portrayed in the show), her family, and how her brothers’ experiences ingrained in her a deep pacifism which Mr. Egan shares.

In writing his book, Mr. Egan relied on two sources in particular: Patsy Adam-Smith’s The Anzacs and Bill Gamage’s The Broken Years. I have also used these two sources. The letters, diary entries, and many other sections of dialogue that you hear in the play are the actual words of Anzac soldiers, excerpted from these books and Mr. Egan’s Book, as well a few online sources. Mr. Egan allowed me poetic license to create the family scenes in the play, for which I am grateful. You will also hear the voice of Jack Nicholson, an Anzac who fought in Gallipoli and France, whose recorded recollections were included in The Anzacs CD.

During World War One, the Anzacs - a new fighting force representing two young countries - traveled half a world away from their homes in Australia and New Zealand, driven by both a sense of adventure and a sense of duty. They witnessed one of history’s most shocking and brutal wars. Many of them did not return. Those that did carried with them the memories of mates with whom they had shared the most essential experience of their lives.

The Anzacs’ story of loyalty and loss, pride and perseverance, stubborn service and stoic survival, is in many ways a universal story that, sadly, continues to be told with every conflict around the globe, and each new generation’s sacrifice.

I share Ted Egan and Sam Kelley’s hope that one day these sacrifices will no longer be necessary.

Thank you for joining us for this performance.

Michele

Director’s notes

This is the show that inspired us to celebrate The Theater Project’s 45th anniversary with all original plays by Maine playwrights. When I first met Sam with Michele over two years ago we realized it would be the 100th anniversary of the US entering World War I.

Sam’s passion for the music and his own experience in Vietnam has inspired me, Michele, the cast and the play. It has been a moving two years and I never thought I would know so much about the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

Sometimes a project comes your way and you know it’s special. Things fall into place and wonderful people come into your life. Michele and I have known each other for over 25 years. Working with Michele is a treat and I’m so glad she’s back in my life for this moment. Meeting Sam Kelley has been life-changing. I will miss his wit, passion, dedication and emails after the play is finished! My cast, wow…how lucky am I? From the first read-thru they have given 100% and worked tirelessly to bring Mr. Egan’s story to the stage. As well as the technical staff who has worked to make this production as visually beautiful as it is. And thank you to Ted Egan and Wild Dingo Press who have supported this project from the start!

So here we are two years later and I thank my lucky starts everything aligned to bring you this story. I hope you enjoy the show and I hope it moves you or inspires you or makes you think. That’s what art does. That’s why Sam wanted to make this into a play.

Next up is Voices In The Mirror with the Young Company and straight into summer camps. Never a dull moment around here. Come back, tell your friends, spread the word - our best publicity is you!

Here’s to a Happy and Healthy Spring!

Cheers,

Wendy