Discover the stories that inspired the acclaimed play A Town Named War Boy, when NSW State Library World War I curator, Elise Edmonds, visits Tuggerah Library on Wednesday 28 March.

The talk will delve into personal accounts from ANZAC soldiers that served our nation and a small selection of diaries and original material will be on display.

Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess, said the Libraries were very pleased to secure this event offered in conjunction with the national tour of A Town Named War Boy.

“This talk and display provides a rare opportunity to get a glimpse into how individual troops felt and lived while deployed on the front,” Ms Burgess said.

“It really encapsulates the ANZAC spirit and looks at just how scared and vulnerable these men were, an aspect which is not often discussed.

“We are incredibly lucky to have Elise present here as she is the mastermind behind one of the State Library’s most successful exhibitions.

“Elise will also give insight into the origin of the pieces and how her work lead to the State Library’s collaboration to help create an incredibly moving experience for theatre goers.”

In 2014 the State Library and the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) commissioned playwright Ross Mueller to create a new play based on the extensive World War I diary collection.

A Town Named War Boy brings to life the private thoughts of young Aussie men that were sent off to war on the other side of the world and how those that made it back home dealt with the traumas of conflict, described by The Australian as “The most moving ANZAC tribute of all”.

Tickets for performances on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 April are on sale now and can be purchased via thearthousewyong.com.au

“As we head towards ANZAC Day in the last year of the centenary of World War I, there is no better time to learn more about our nation’s heroes,” Ms Burgess added.

“This is a unique opportunity to hear these authentic stories that helped create the Australian identity.”

Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraryevents or call 4350 1560 to reserve a spot.

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