‘Come From Away’ is just as relevant now and always will be…
Many people would ask, “Why create a musical that links to 9/11? Isn’t that disrespectful?’” however, ‘Come From Away’ is the furthest from disrespectful you can get.
‘Come From Away’ follows what happened when the 38 planes on their way to the United States on the day of 9/11, were diverted to Gander International Airport in Newfoundland, Canada, and the way the people of Newfoundland welcomed the 7,000 passengers into their homes in a time of uncertainty and fear.
Photo by Jeff Busby
The story is told by twelve brilliant actors and actresses, playing the people of Newfoundland and the passengers and crew of the planes, with the accompaniment of eight talented band members, playing their instruments on stage bringing another level of community feeling.
Community, judgement and perseverance are only some of the themes we see play out in front of our eyes.
At moments, we come face to face with the harsh reality of instant judgement that has played out in real life, not only during 9/11, but in present day during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Many people from the Middle East who identify as Muslims were immediately judged and abused after the 9/11 attacks, just as the Chinese and Asian communities have been targeted after the Pandemic was brought to light.
However, seeing the flip side of those themes, being community and openness with no judgement, was very heartwarming and reminds us that if we treat others with respect and dignity, we can live in harmony and peace.
Seeing this beautiful show in Melbourne after three lockdowns, while the rest of the world is still waiting for theatre to come alive again, was an honour and privilege.
The twelve performers expertly told the story of community in 100 minutes, navigating the many accents and seamless prop and costume changes with ease.
The eight band members brought the story and show to life even more with their perfect performance, which could be seen and fully appreciated, especially in the bar scene and during the finale and bows.
It is very easy to see why this show has been nominated and has won many accolades for its multiple productions around the world, with every detail of the production coming together seamlessly to create a beautiful piece of theatre.
If anyone has reservations about seeing this show, their reservations can be put to rest as this show brings forward a story that needs to be told, now more than ever.
‘Come From Away’ will be leaving Melbourne in mid-March 2021 to go to Brisbane and then Sydney.
I am sad to see this show leave Melbourne, however, I am honoured that I had the chance to see this show, before the lockdowns and after.
I am excited for this production to continue its tour of Australia as they get to share this story, that needs to be shared, with many more people, and I hope that many people take the chance to see this show as it is one that everyone needs to see at least once in their lives.
If I had to say a line that could possibly sum up the reason to see this show, the mayor of Gander sums it up for me in his final line in the show, “Tonight we honour what was lost, but we also commemorate what we found…”
Watch my Vlog and Review for more of my thoughts as well as my experience seeing the show after our third lockdown.
Tickets and Information for the show can be found here:
