"Bonegilla-The migrant's journey" has been playing to sold out venues around Australia.
The performance is a multi media show that uses two screens on stage to play the filmed interviews of post war migrants from various European countries and also their photos, home movies and documents. The musical soundtrack is played by a grand piano and string quartet live on stage and there is also immersive sound design. The stage is also decorated with migrant's own possessions that they brought over on the ship, or used during their early life here in Australia and a sea of LED candles set the emotional mood of the performance.
You'll laugh. You'll cry. But most of all you'll be truly inspired by these gutsy pioneers who left everything behind and travelled to a country they knew nothing about.
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"The audience laughed, cried, and exchanged knowing glances, sharing in the collective appreciation for these brave pioneers, whose tenacity, love, and generosity helped shape the heart of our communities.
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Simon Reich has not only captured an important chapter in our national story, but he has also reminded us that behind every migration statistic is a human story of courage, sacrifice, and ultimately, belonging. Terese Casu Former CEO of Sydney Mardi Gras and Sydney Film Festival
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Simon Reich delivered a moving and masterful work of historical storytelling with Bonegilla, an immersive multimedia presentation that deeply resonated with audiences — both those with personal or familial connections to Bonegilla and those with a broader interest in Australia’s migrant history.
Through the powerful combination of oral histories, documentary images, and evocative soundscapes, Simon painted a vivid and emotional portrait of the migrant experience. His presentation prompted laughter, tears, reflection, and a deeper understanding of a defining chapter in Australia’s multicultural journey. Amie Zar Community History Coordinator of Inner West Council (Sydney).
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Bonegilla is a moving multimedia show that shares the stories of post-WWII migrants who arrived in Australia through the Bonegilla Migrant Centre. The show blends video interviews, historic photos & live music which together with the cosy set-up of the stage brings to life the personal stories in a powerful & accessible way. On the night we had a sell- out audience; there was laughter, tears & I'm sure everyone left with a richer understanding of multiculturalism in this country. Meg Butcher Events Office Ku-ring-gai Council (Sydney)
