JOIN THE JOURNEY: darrencogganontheroad.tumblr.com/
For a country that has never started a war, we've certainly been in our fair share of scrapes over the years. The official history of war paints us a big simple picture; this battle, that country, this date. Unfortunately in this big picture version of our history there is never any time to hear about the smaller stories. Ironically it is the smaller stories that can tell us a great deal about that big picture. This show is about some of those small stories that make war more personal, more human.
War Stories is a compelling, informative and highly entertaining look at Australia at War. Through words, a volume of original songs and visual mediums, Darren Coggan presents a production with moments of reflection, tears and laughter.
Many of the songs and stories in this show present the war experiences of those sidelined by the bronzed male ANZAC mythology. Many of the songs were inspired simply by the emotional context. We meet the women who stayed at home to keep the economy working and those who married American servicemen and lost their Australian identities, salute Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who served despite harsh descrimination, learn of the struggle in finding the courage to go over the top of the Gallipoli trenches, discover stories of mateship and humour, and have compassion for those who died on both sides. It’s focus is to present both small and personal stories, footnote-like, that are outside the big, simple mainstream history of Australian’s at War and to make those chapters of our military history more personal and accessible.
The style is contemporary and the songs are strong and varied with many "voices". The show is more than a living graveyard and it is not meant to be an RSL smoko show. It is a two hour theatrical story piece with songs. This is no celebration of war, rather of the spirit of the people involved in it. It is an honest, and moving account of Australia's involvement without being jingoistic, sentimental or simplistic. Darren brings a warmth and integrity to this material and delivers a refreshing new look at what is such a defining part of our heritage.
If you haven't already heard of Darren Coggan, you will, and soon. At just 35 years, this versatile artist has already chalked up a string of awards. He is best known as a country singer, having released four albums in the genre, but he is equally comfortable in musicals and on screen. He has toured extensively with stage shows Grease, Happy Days and Shout, and was chosen to understudy John Farnham as Teen Angel in Grease – the Arena Spectacular. Meanwhile, he appears regularly on TV, including several guest appearances on Channel 7's All Saints. Darren produced and starred in Peace Train - The Cat Stevens Story to critical and audience acclaim and is currently enjoying his time as a presenter on Sydney Weekender for network 7.
Written by Ken McBeath (C) 2007
Songs by Ken
McBeath & Darren Coggan (C) 2007
VIEW WAR STORIES PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
WAR
STORIES
A Salute
in story and song to the ANZAC spirit
Starring Darren
Coggan
If you were entertained by Illawarra resident Darren Coggan’s Peace Train, the Cat Stevens Story – you will be moved by the honesty and spirit of his new production War Stories which kicks off a national tour at IPAC Wollongong on TUESDAY APRIL 24 at 7:30pm.
Inspired by his own family history, Darren connects us to an iconic part of our heritage. Personal and exceptional stories of Australians at war are woven into songs that provide an intimate perspective of the tales that have helped shape our nation.
War Stories takes you on an insightful journey into the lives of the Australians behind the lines. We reminisce about the generation of women who stayed at home and kept the country running. We celebrate the mateship, humour and courage in the Gallipoli trenches. And we honour our Indigenous diggers, a story rarely told.
“I’m very proud to be
playing the IPAC Wollongong again, it has become my favourite theatre in
Australia and is the perfect venue for the intimate nature of this show. War
Stories presents both small and personal stories, footnote-like,
that are outside the big, simple mainstream history of Australian’s at War and
it makes those chapters of our military history more accessible, more
human.” Said
Darren.
“The show is more than a living graveyard and it is not
an RSL smoko show. It is a two hour theatrical story piece with songs and a
refreshing new look at what is such a defining part of our
heritage.”
Awarded Heritage Song of the Year at the 37th Golden Guitar Awards, Darren’s beautiful performance brings a warmth and integrity to the narrative. War Stories is a salute to the Australian spirit and how we find the strength to shine in the most intense and heart-breaking situations.
Darren Coggan has toured extensively with stage shows Grease – The Mega Musical, Happy Days – The Arena Mega Musical, and Shout – The Musical Of The Wild One. His critically acclaimed show Peace Train played to standing ovations in the most prestigious venues across Australia including The Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. Darren is currently presenting for ‘Sydney Weekender’ on Network 7.
“War Stories paints a vivid picture of Australia at War
and is a hugely entertaining experience. This is a must see for all
Australians.”
James Blundell – Ambassador for the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia.
"fascinating and perceptive
songs, crafted and performed with great understanding."
Susan Jarvis, Country Music Capital News.
VENUE: IPAC -
WOLLONGONG
DATE: TUESDAY
APRIL 24, 2012
TIME:
7:30PM
