Theatre Focus: Jacka VC: Legend Of Gallipoli

8 October 2015 | 10:29 am | Artist Submission

"I felt I was in the trenches with Albert Jacka and the men of the 14 Battalion."

Answered by:
William James Smith

Describe your show in a tweet: Jacka VC: Legend Of Gallipoli: a new rock musical about the ANZACs.

When you first read this show, what stood out to you directorially? Well that would be when I read the book Hard Jacka on which the show is based. I felt I was in the trenches with Albert Jacka and the men of the 14th Battalion. I wanted to adapt it to a musical to bring the story to young Australians.

What's number one on your directing bucket list? Jacka VC: Legend Of Gallipoli. It's not that I think my show is the best ever (although it's pretty close), it's that I'm a composer, writer and singer. I have no ambition to direct more than is absolutely necessary to get my show across. It's too exhausting to do more!

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What excites you about Australian theatre? There are so many talented people, great singers and actors, dancers, set designers, choreographers, etc. But where are the shows being written for them to perform? There is no Broadway-style production line of musical theatre. For me that means a gap in the market for good Aussie content. Think big!

When & where is your show? 9 & 10 Oct, Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre; 17 Oct, The Capital, Bendigo Performing Arts Centre. 

Website link for more info? jackavc.com.au