Embers

Gripping, lyrical, comically overwrought when it seems tragic, and deeply moving when all appears lost, Embers is the story of a fire—and the people who fought it. 'A toweringly important new Australian play that speaks to our hearts from the hearts of our countrymen.' THE DAILY TELEGRAPH 'An absorbing, character-rich and sometimes stirring piece about a near-forgotten patch of Australia.' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD Winner 2007 Queensland Premier's Literary Award for Stage (Drama) Script * * * "There were strings of fire. I'd say 50 to 60 metres long just racing across the ground. You know, 46 years fighting bloody fires I've never seen anything like it." - A firefighter Overnight on 7 and 8 January, in the year 2003, a dry storm ignited over 80 fires in Victoria's North East and Gippsland. From exhaustive interviews with residents of the region, Campion Decent has fashioned an extraordinary account of the fires; the heart-stopping tales of survival, the awe-inspiring courage and endurance of communities put to the test, the spine-chilling evocations of the wave of heat that roars through pristine valleys - and the mountains of sandwiches volunteers anxiously prepared. Gripping, lyrical, comically overwrought when it seems tragic, and deeply moving when all appears lost, Embers is the story of a fire - and the people who conquered it. Written by Campion Decent Directed by Maeliosa Stafford Composer/Sound Designer Steve Francis Costume Designer Wiggy Brennan Lighting Designer Martin Kinanne Set Designer Gordon Burns Presented by QUT Gardens Theatre and HotHouse Theatre PERFORMANCES Tuesday 29 September, 8pm Wednesday 30 September, 2pm and 8pm