Show sets stage alight

By Shaun Inguanzo
FIERY applause concluded a recent community stage production involving local emergency service workers, community groups and school children.
The Dandenong Ranges Music Council (DRMC) production, Fire Cycle Performances, on 89 October at the Belgrave Heights Convention Centre, saw the Yarra Ranges community both present and watch an educational yet entertaining performance on how the region copes with the fire season.
DRMC community music coordinator Bev McAlister was delighted to see the community support the firsttime production.
“The Fire Cycle Performances demonstrated the power of community music and the performing arts to bring communities together,” Ms McAlister said.
“It was amazing to have the brigades, the CFA, the local police, and the DSE performing side by side with stiltwalkers, musicians and dancers of all ages from the Yarra Ranges.
“The audiences at both performances were thrilled by the spectacle, and challenged by the archival film footage and the song lyrics to reflect about the cycle of fires of the past, and hopefully take action for the coming fire season.”
Ms McAlister also praised producer John Shortis who was instrumental in the songwriting and musical process.
Monbulk Police Sergeant Alan Fincher said the teamwork on stage was representative of the joint effort emergency services perform in real life.
“I had a small walkon role, looking after the crime scene after the fire had been put out,” Mr Fincher said.
“It showed how it all fits together during a fire situation in the shire.”