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Media Release 9 April 2008

ANZAC Play at the Christchurch Art Gallery

Poetry and drama will come to life in a play at the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu over ANZAC weekend.

Not About Heroes tells the story of two of England's greatest poets, who met in Craiglockhart War Hospital in 1917. Siegfried Sassoon was a decorated war-hero who had protested against the continuing war while Wilfred Owen was a victim of shell-shock, accused of cowardice, who went on to win a Military Cross, die in the trenches, and receive posthumous fame as the greatest poet of the War.

Stephen MacDonald's acclaimed play dramatises the story of the friendship that transformed both men and is a witty, heart-warming and profoundly moving experience.

This Australian production (with original Australian cast) will be staged in the Christchurch Art Gallery auditorium - coming to Christchurch directly from performances at the Australian War Memorial.

There will be four performances of Not About Heroes in the Christchurch Art Gallery Auditorium on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of ANZAC weekend. Performance times are Thursday 24 April 7.30pm; Friday 25 April (ANZAC Day) 4pm and 7.30pm; and Saturday 26 April 8pm. Tickets cost $27 and are only available from the Court Theatre (Ph 03 963 0870) or online at www.courttheatre.org.nz/

"Not About Heroes examines a range of issues surrounding WW1 and its impact on individuals; told through a story that throws light on loving friendship, courage and the futility of war. I am very pleased that the Gallery can play a role in bringing such a poignant production to Christchurch audiences at ANZAC weekend," says Art Gallery Director Jenny Harper.

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