Thunderstorm

Available to Tour

12 July

a young father's journey through conflict

Thunderstorm is a new Western Australian concept music theatre work developed and presented across a six‑year research period. The project began during the centenary of Armistice commemorations in Albany, marking the end of the First World War, and progressed through a metropolitan performance and adaptation before returning to the Great Southern region. The work centres on lived experiences and intergenerational knowledge shared by local Elders, particularly relating to family members who served and the discrimination Aboriginal servicemen faced upon their return.

Staged as an immersive play with music interludes, Thunderstorm explores the universal theme of memory told through the eyes of Harry, a world war one serviceman. What happens when Harry is thrust into blindness, with only memories of home, family and country to guide him?

Set against the remarkable backdrop of the 1918 Armistice, Thunderstorm is a modern interpretation of a hundred year old event. Text, music, harmonies and projections interweave to draw the audience on a sonic journey of hope, compassion and love.

Celebrating five years of Breaksea, Thunderstorm is a reworking of Breaksea’s By Other Eyes, a work of choral-theatre commemorating the centenary of Armistice, the end of the First World War. Created and inspired by partnerships with local Noongar elders and the people of the Great Southern, Thunderstorm is a visceral insight into the human experience.

Featuring Jarrad Inman as Harry, Tadhg Lawrence as Arthur, together with Mezzo Soprano Ashlyn Tymms, Baritone Lachlann Lawton, Soprano Morgan Cowling, the Aquinas College Schola Choir and Youth artists on the Breaksea Youth Mentorship Program, don't miss this beautiful work composed by Jonathan Brain & Matt Ward, conducted by Pia Harris and directed by Matt Ward.

Artistic Director - Matt Reuben James Ward
Director of Music - Pia Harris

Director of Composition - Jonathan Brain
First Nations Artist / Cultural Consultant - Rachael Colmer
Artist / Community Engagement - Milu Green
First Nations Artist - Jarrad Inman
Artist / Social Media Coordinator - Bonnie Staude
This project is made possible with support from …
Breaksea acknowledges and thanks its ongoing program and organisational sponsors: the Government of Western Australia, the City of Albany, Lotterywest / Healthway, the Kids Research Institute Australia, SEW ARTS, Circuit West and the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.