Hills locals are invited to discover their past this June when the award winning cast from Convict Footprints Productions returns for their latest performance: Convict Footprints: Rebellion! at Castle Hill Heritage Park.
Convict Footprints: Rebellion! takes audiences on a journey through the history of Heritage Park the site of the first lunatic asylum in Australia and the scene of the 1804 Castle Hill Rebellion.
Rebellion! audiences will join Government Surveyor Felton Matthew and his adventurous explorer wife Sarah on a walking tour of the park, meeting some colourful historical figures along the way, including hordes of rebellious Irishmen whose cries of ‘Liberty or Death’ will ring across the fields during the concluding re-enactment of the rebellion which the audience will, quite literally, be right in the middle of!
Written by Steven Hopley and directed by Jerry Retford, Rebellion! takes a dry page of history and turns it into a visceral, poignant yet at times comedic lesson in the rich history of The Hills’ past.
Director Jerry Retford says past productions from the heritage interpretation company, including the 2015/16 Summer Series performances of Footprints at the Farm, have been praised by audiences as an engaging, entertaining and eye-opening.
“By offering people the opportunity to fully experience history on a level of immersive experience we engage their interest, ignite their passion and offer a fresh perspective on historical sites and events that inspires, educates and entertains. Engaging live audiences in this way enables new conversations, new approaches and energises further possibilities, making people open to living history in our present day,” Mr Retford said.
“Our living history theatre is an inspirational journey which teaches as it entertains – we liken it to the ‘spoonful of sugar’ – so many of our audiences comment on just how much they have learned from our performances whilst at the same time being thoroughly entertained. Still others who have come having had no real interest in history remark how fascinating and educational they find our productions,” he said.
The immersive nature of Convict Footprints: Rebellion! will allow audiences to gain an understanding of what life was like during the founding years of The Hills Shire, giving voice to the many stories and traditions of its past inhabitants.
Don’t miss this exciting piece of Australian history – told through an exhilarating live experience. Bookings are available now at www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
