ON 17 January 1912, Robert Scott and four companions reached the geographic South Pole. Sadly, Scott’s entire party died on the return journey from the pole.
On 6 June 1941 “The Fire on the Snow,” a verse play by Australian playwright Douglas Stewart, was premiered on ABC radio to great acclaim.
On 24 June this year, about 90 people in the Hawks Nest Community Centre sat riveted by a live performance of this play.
Not a sound from the audience was heard as a small ensemble from Maitland Repertory Theatre voiced the five men’s expectant thoughts as they approached the Pole, all too quickly fading to pessimism and ultimately to agony.
Tea Gardens’ own Diane Williams’ clear, vibrant narration of the story added much to and completed the tale, contributing significantly to the tension of the drama.
The organisers of the event (a small group of theatre lovers) have received many invitations for repeat performances in various locations and requests for similarly dramatic pieces to be presented locally.