Double bill theatre production Stardust + The Mission coming to Williams during regional tour

Williams Memorial Hall will host a double-bill theatrical performance exploring two contrasting stories of Australian history in the production Stardust + The Mission. Arts Narrogin is hosting the award-winning show produced by ABC presenter and performer Joel Carnegie and acclaimed Gunditjmara actor Tom Molyneux. The double-bill shares stories from both of the performers’ families while exploring broader themes of Australian history and culture. The first show of the night, Stardust, is written and performed by Carnegie. It delves into the story of his grandfather Col Brain, a trumpet player and bandleader who locked his prized possessions in a cupboard before he died. The story follows the quest to uncover the time capsule of Australian music and what his grandfather wanted him to discover about his life. The second show of the night, The Mission, is performed by Molyneux and tells the story of his great-great uncle, Allan McDonald who was one of the first Aboriginal soldiers from Victoria to enlist in World War I. The Gunditjmara man fought at Gallipoli and Beersheba but he was denied a soldier’s settlement when he returned to Australia and was forced from his land at the Lake Condah Mission. Carnegie said the production focused on “great storytelling”. “People who come along will hear two cracking Australian stories which have music interwoven throughout them, some of that is live music but some of it is sound recordings, “ he said. “Audiences will be really engrossed in the two stories as they are presented as one-man shows. “You’ve got two shows for the price of one that explore different aspects of Australian culture and identity.” Arts Narrogin have organised for free community buses to transport residents from Narrogin, Pingelly and Wagin to Williams for the show on June 30. To book, visit artsnarrogin.com.au.