Theatre 180 regional tour hits Margaret River to share the mysterious tale of Sydney II

One of Western Australia’s biggest mysteries is set to hit the South West stage for one night only, displaying a story of emotion and intrigue. This Saturday night, Theatre 180 will take to the Margaret River HEART stage to perform the latest work in its “great stories, well told” series Sydney II: Lost and Found. Now in the South West of its regional tour, the show is a unique performance combining theatre and visual cinema which dives deep into Australia’s greatest naval mystery — the sinking of the HMAS Sydney II, exploring the stories of the people and families impacted and it’s great rediscovery. Juxtaposed against the backdrop of the decades-long search for the wreck, Theatre 180 artistic director Stuart Halusz said the landmark production pushes the boundaries of new multi-disciplinary art form, integrating stage, screen, and live performance in cinemas around Western Australia. “This true story of love, courage and fateful decisions commemorates the 80th anniversary of the devastating sea battle and ensures the legacy of those who died in service is not forgotten,” he said. “In a world that is facing great challenges now, and in the future, we gain so much insight from reflecting on the dangers faced by Australians in the past and the qualities of courage, humour, endurance, love and tenacity that brought us through.” Featuring a small but dynamic cast of Tom O’Sullivan, Halusz and Morgan Dukes, the trio lead audiences across an hour and forty-five minute journey that follows more than 21 characters. A Dunsborough local, O’Sullivan said the production brings a new, more personal element to the unique story. “It’s a story I personally knew little about but I thought it was such an important story and it’s a great story to tell,” he said. “As well as the tragedy we focus on a lot of individual stories to find out their story. “One of my characters is newly married and his is wife pregnant, he went out on that voyage but sadly never came home and that little girl, the baby, she’s still alive now so being able to talk to her and tell her story . . . it gives heart to the story. “It’s something different, and such an important WA story and that’s being told in an imaginative and really rewarding way.” Combining a range of mediums to highlight the story, Mr O’Sullivan said it makes for a truly immersive audience experience. “I think it certainly adds to the overall experience, the great thing about this story is in 2008 when they found the wreck the camera technology at the time they could take actual footage,” he said. “It’s great that we can use that footage to enhance the story and share insights into it without it taking away from the actors or vice-versa.” “It’s just phenomenal, the amount of audience members who speak to us afterwards and say things like ‘wow I didn’t know that about this story’.” Following the performance in Margaret River the tour will continue to Augusta before heading to the Wheatbelt. Tickets are now available at margaretriverheart.com.au