Watch and Act: The Black Summer Rock Opera
Published on 16 June 2021
Watch & Act, a rock opera penned in response to the Black Summer fires, premiered with a cast of more than 50 South Coast musicians and singers on Friday night at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.
The show is ABC Illawarra radio presenter Nick Rheinberger's musical response to the stories he heard from frontline workers, volunteers and people impacted by the fires.
The Shoalhaven City Mayoral Relief Fund received $245 in donations as part of the event.
Many who attended the show were frontline members of combat agencies and support workers. The performance was made possible with the support of Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Resilience NSW and IMB.
Patrons who attended the event were invited to donate to the Mayoral Relief Fund as part of their ticket purchase. The Mayoral Relief Fund was opened by Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley on 4 December 2019 in response to the Shoalhaven bushfires.
Since being opened, nearly half a million dollars has been raised to support bushfire affected ratepayers and residents across the Shoalhaven.
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley expressed her gratitude to those who donated.
“The generosity of the community never ceases to amaze me. Recovery takes time and it’s heart-warming to know that the community are there to provide support”, Clr Findley said.
Councillor Findley was thrilled to feature in the show and felt honoured to play a part in the re-telling of the Black Summer Bushfire story.
“It was a thoroughly enjoyable and at times emotional show, with outstanding performances by a stellar cast. I am sure everyone in attendance will agree there can be healing through music and humour”, Clr Findley said.
The performance featured music arrangement by Nick Rheinberger and Paul Greene | Guitars: Nick Rheinberger and Rick Falkiner | Bass: Paul Greene | Drums: Adrian Herbert | Keyboard: Rob Laurie | Vocals: Eva Leone, Tia Wilson, Kay Proudlove, Nick Rheinberger, Paul Greene, HMO, Hamish Richardson, Tina Broad & The Glorious MUDsingers | Video & Stills: Sara Moss, Matthew Thane, Jake Lapham and ABC News.
The Mayoral Relief Fund, Bushfire Fund is open until 30 June 2021.
For more information on the Mayoral’s Relief Fund, including how to make a donation, visit Council’s website.
For more information on the musical event visit Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre’s website.