A new show at the Waradah Centre at Echo Point encompasses some of the stories from white Australian history for the first time.
Traditionally the performances have concentrated on the Indigenous story of Australia. Now, to bring a more comprehensive picture to visitors, a new show incorporates both Indigenous and white history.
To celebrate the change, locals are invited to see Australia – the Great Southern Land free during the school holidays.
“We are so excited to have our local Blue Mountains community experience our latest production that we’re inviting them to see the show for free,” said the centre’s marketing and gallery manager, Bonnie Dastyari.
“Between December 17 and January 27, excluding Christmas Day, residents from Penrith to Mt Victoria can attend the 10:30am or 3:30pm shows for free by just showing a photo ID with their address.”
There is a limit of four free tickets per party and Ms Dastyari recommended people call the centre first in case the session is booked out (4782 1979).
The new show retains key Indigenous stories, including an explanation of the origins of the didgeridoo, Aboriginal dancing and the dreamtime legend of the Three Sisters.
But it now also includes Captain Cook’s voyage, crossing the Mountains, the gold rush, Banjo Paterson’s writing of Waltzing Matilda, World War One, the Depression, building the Harbour Bridge and post-WWII migration.
There are 10 performers, all of whom are locals. One, Jeremy Shadlow, is a Logie award winner (from his days in the television program A Country Practice).
Ms Dastyari said the new performance, which has only been showing for a couple of weeks, has been very well received.
The centre also has Indigenous art, jewellery, fashion, boomerangs and other material for sale. It is open seven days a week, 9am-5pm.
