The dual themes of progress and hope underscored the action of ‘Under Construction’, a theatrical offering for Refugee Week 2008. This collaboration of The Hope Group (an initiative of the Sudanese Youth Theatre Group) and the Centre for Multicultural Youth projected the hopes and dreams of young Sudanese refugees, tempered with an understanding of the challenges they will face as migrants in Australia.

Stacked and scattered white boxes literally provided the building blocks to transform the North Melbourne Town Hall into a mutable performance and projection space. Audience members, greeted by black and white clad ‘waiters’ and the sight of white projection towers, were drawn to the centerpiece of the room; an intriguing white castle. The castle, a physicalisation of the migrants’ dreams of life in Australia, was pared down layer by layer through the introduction, like a Russian doll, to reveal the preconceptions and realities faced by the refugees in making a new home for themselves.

Projected images flashed onto each tower, drawing audience perception to progressive feature stages to allow characters to introduce themselves. Intercut with the performances, A-MCs (African Mic Controllers) performed lyrically intricate hip hop interludes laced with themes of uncertainty, ambition and a desire to find a place they belong.

A more traditional theatre atmosphere was evoked as audience members were directed to their seats, but the show continued in an interactive and fluid manner. Projection towers were deconstructed and refashioned in form and idea; as each character used the boxes to physically shape a building outline, they explained what they saw as the building blocks of a community, and where they saw themselves fitting into this future of the year 2040.

But not all is rosy; characters’ ideals clash, and it is clear that the resources and opportunities available are not sufficient to meet the needs and aspirations of them all. Frustrated at the limitations to his dreams, and at the barrier his outsider status creates between him and the mainstream culture of Australia, VIP, a hip hop hopeful, is pushed to desperate measures.

The enthusiasm and aspiration towards an inclusive community displayed throughout the performance is a major driving force, while the slick musical unit of the A-MCs deftly weaved the sometimes disparate storylines together. Where the performers lacked experience or verbal fluency, the energy of the group pushed through, drawing the audience in on a wave of sheer hope. The implication that this optimism has helped the refugees through unimaginable hardships lent credence to their lofty ideals, and left the audience fervently hopeful that 2040 may in some way resemble the blueprint these young people have created.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Tickets: $12.50 Adult, $8 Concession

More info:  (03) 9685 5111