By Melanie Sjoberg
SYDNEY — The revolution will be live at the Seymour Centre from May 31 in the form of some of the most powerful songs from the turbulent 1960s to the present. The show aims to celebrate music and its capacity to change, as well as illustrate the potency of protest music.
The production will bring familiar sounds to the generations that lived and were politically active during the 1960s and 1970s, but will also trace the thread to the music of protest of today.
Cast member Genevieve Davis told Green Left Weekly that she felt inspired and excited by the powerful words and music being compiled for the show. "The show includes songs by Sam Cooke, Billie Holiday, Gil Scott Heron and Archie Roach's moving 'They Took the Children Away'."
Davis described the production as a "retrospective designed to challenge people to think about the relevance of this music today". She said there is a need to rethink some of the big questions, especially in the light of Aboriginal genocide and the federal government's dismissive attitude to the stolen generations. Davis believes that the music will encourage people to stand up for their beliefs.
The inclusion of Janis Ian's song "At 17" captures the mood of young women confronting the issue of the beauty myth, commented Davis. As an entertainer, she pointed out, even when you feel good about yourself there is still an underlying feeling that you "need the right look to get noticed".
The Revolution Will Not be Televized will be performed at the Everest Theatre, Seymour Theatre Centre, City Road, Chippendale, beginning May 31. The show's executive producer is Zoltan Koteczky, its musical director is Paul Berton and cast members are Rodger Corser, Genevieve Davis, Tim Hall, Anita Spring and Mark Williams. Tickets available from the venue or Ticketek.