15/03/2024
Upcoming event Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees.
Local Trentham storyteller of 15 years, Peter Fernon, will perform one of the great poetic epics of antiquity, Homer’s Odyssey. It tells the story of the Greek hero Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his 10-year journey home through Africa and Southern Europe after 10 years’ fighting in the Trojan war.
Peter himself has journeyed from journalism, teaching, then acting and singing to performance poetry. He has produced some of his own theatre and done shadow puppetry by which he discovered storytelling. Arts Atlas quotes him: “I discovered storytelling and there I stopped, for it seemed to me storytelling included all the things I had become interested in.”
His recent works include the “Doctor,” about Gweneth Wisewould, a GP in Trentham from 1938-1972, as well as a production using research from members of his family to produce a five-generation saga of his family called the “Wheel”. Other works include, “Courage Now and Then” from the Trentham Hostel and “The Emerald Dragon” from Bullarto Primary School amongst others.
It is an apt choice by Peter to perform Odyssey as a fundraiser for refugees - hosted by the Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees - as it enables the audience to reflect on the refugees’ epic journey endured to reach our shores. Unfortunately, their journey is yet to end. Storytelling enables the listener audience to go on a journey of understanding - something that is sorely missing when it comes to our understanding of refugees forced to flee for their lives.
Odyssey presented by Peter Fernon, is being staged on Saturday 16th March at Norma Richardson Hall, Woodend. Doors open 7.30 for 8pm start. Tickets/donations at the door. Proceeds go to the Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees. All welcome.
