In partnership with Centre Stage Scripts and local health and community groups, Council is excited to host two live performances of Carpe Diem with actors John Wood and John Voce in Golden Plains Shire.
Touring Australia since 2015, Carpe Diem is an award-winning contemporary portrayal of every day Australian men dealing with mental health challenges, focusing on the topics of health, grief, loss and depression. Stressing the importance of professional care in times of crisis, mateship and looking out for one another, the production is described as ‘a hilarious play with a serious message’.
Set in a fictional town in inland Australia, Carpe Diem portrays the friendship of Nev, a hard-working farmer and his stock agent friend John. Played by well-known actors John Wood, known from popular television series’ “Blue Heelers” and “Rafferty’s Rules”, and John Voce, from television’s “Downton Abbey”, “Dr Who” and “Miranda”, both characters have been impacted by the long-running drought and are each suffering from their own personal crisis.
As part of the production’s Victorian tour, performances will be held in Rokewood on 30 April and Ross Creek on 1 May, with tickets now available for the cost of a gold coin donation to cover post-show refreshments:
Rokewood
Friday 30 April, 6pm for a 6.30pm start
Rokewood Memorial Hall, 66 Ferrars Street, Rokewood
To book: Call 5267 1200 or visit carpe-diem-rokewood.eventbrite.com.au
Ross Creek
Saturday 1 May, 7pm for a 7.30pm start
Ross Creek School Hall, 651 Sebastopol-Smythesdale Road, Ross Creek
To book: Call 5220 7111 or visit carpe-diem-ross-creek.eventbrite.com.au
Mayor Cr Helena Kirby says Council is excited to help bring Carpe Diem to the stage in Golden Plains Shire.
“It’s very exciting to be able to host this award-winning play here in Golden Plains, with performances in Rokewood and Ross Creek. No doubt many of our residents will recognise one of Australia’s most well-known actors John Wood, who will be joined by John Voce of “Downtown Abbey” and “Dr Who” fame.
“Council has been able to partner with Hesse Rural Health, Ballarat Community Health, the Rokewood Corindhap Football Netball Club and Ross Creek Community to not only bring this fantastic production to our Shire, but also to provide a great community BBQ or supper following each performance for just the price of a gold coin.
“The family-friendly production will resonate with many of our residents in our rural Shire, and tackle the importance of taking care of your mental health in a light-hearted and approachable way, and I hope to see many residents grab a ticket to either of the two performances.”