The shows we're doing, the shows we've done...
Photos of past shows?
They're here		 No show to go to? Perhaps there's something else you could do:
  • Take up a collection and send phone cards to The Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, 67 Jeffcott St. West Melbourne, email: asrc@strat.com
  • Write directly to people in detention, or start a group letter-writing project. Contacts available via: spareroomsforrefugees.com
  • Send letters to newspapers and to politicians.
  • Click! to book an AfR performance.
In a barb-wire canoe...
October
Wednesday 17 "Democracy Week" at Braemar College, Woodend. Two shows demonstrating why people have to leave their homelands. With Bahram Pierow, Di Greentree and others.
September
Sunday 16
11am		 At Collingwood Children's Farm as part of the Earthdance Festival, Ann Phelan, Janet Andrewartha (and more!) perform excerpts from 'Club Refuge'.
June
Wednseday 27

'Open House' at Notre Dame College, Shepparton. With Adam McConvell, Margot Knight, Fransiscus Henri and Bev Hoffman
Friday 22
7pm Sacred Heart

Saturday 23
7pm Sacred Heart

Sunday 24
5pm Northcote
Friday, 22
10am-2pm
Wednesday 20
6pm


Featuring, for AfR:

Zoe Carides

Joy Smithers

Steve Vella

Genevieve Hegney

Nick Papademetriou
Wednesday 20
10.30am
Monday 18
11.30am		 Open House at Catholic Regional College, Melton West. Cast: Don Bridges, Queenie Van de Sant, Annie Phelan, Richie Halal. Producer: Liz Ralph
May
Sunday 6th
2pm		 'Laugh 4 Good!' A fundraiser to help reunite families. All-star fabulousness. Click for details here
March
Sunday 4th
3pm		 The Good Shepherd Social Justice Network, Good Shepherd Life & Vision Team, The Trading Circle along with 'Actors for Refugees' ('Something to Declare') are presenting "Stories from our community". Collingwood College Theatre. Hoddle Street (enter off Cromwell Street). With Gary Down, Deidre Rubinstein, Diana Greentree and Kathy Lucas. Produced by Jo Niel
In a barb-wire canoe...
October
Sunday 22,
5pm		 A celebration of the life of Amal Basry and a commemoration of the SIEVX tragedy, presented by the Refugee Council of Australia. Amal's words will be conveyed by, among others, Alice Garner, Alison Whyte, Anne Phelan, Babs McMillan, Deb Lawrance, Di Greentree, Diedre Rubenstein, Helen Morse, Jema Stellato Pledger, Maggie Millar, Nancy Cato and Rebecca Spalding. The event is being created by Arnold Zable and will take place at the Carrillo Gantner Theatre, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, Melbourne University (Cnr Swanston Street and Monash Road).
Tuesday 17
10am		 'Open House' at the Little Yarra Steiner School, Yarra Junction. Cast: Annie Phelan, Damien Walshe-Howling, Tristan Pierce and Janet Andrewartha. Producer: Liz Ralph.
September
Thursday 21,
8 pm
 Actors for Refugees Deidre Rubinstein, Adam McConvell and Kathy Lucas perform excerpts from 'Open House' at a fundraiser gig for the People's Inquiry into Immigration Detention (www.peoplesinquiry.org.au for more info), along with a line-up of bands including Fink, 154, Jade Goodge and Will Mithem. Cape Live, cnr Brunswick and Johnston Sts, Fitzroy. $12 entry.
Saturday 23
4pm		 AfR perform excerpts from 'Open House' in the Rally for Peace organised by Unity for Peace at the Trades Hall, Cnr. Victoria & Lygon Streets, Carlton South, Victoria. Cast includes Richie Hallal, Janice Andrewartha, Anne Phelan and Bahram Pierow.
August
Sunday 13
3pm
 5 years, 500 performances and countless audience members later, Actors for Refugees invites you to the premiere of 'Open House' - new stories of refugees in Australia. Moving and inspiring. Friendships and hardships. And song. And humour. And life. With Richie Hallal, Diana Greentree, Adam McConvell and Margot Knight; musicians Alice Garner, Rebecca Spalding and Spiros Antoniades and a special guest performance by Max Gillies. Directed by Robin Laurie. Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall, Queensberry Street, North Melbourne - click here to download a printable flyer (400k pdf) Supported by the JB Seed Fund and the City of Melbourne
Sunday, 6
7pm		 'Club Refuge' at Western Heights Uniting Church, Herne Hill, Geelong. A short performance as part of annual mass for refugees, with proceeds to go to Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. Cast to be advised. Producer: Janelle Da Silva.
July
Sunday 23
 7pm

'Something to Declare' at Wesley Uniting Church, 148 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne Cast: Richie Hallal, Tom Long, Rachel Maza and Anne Phelan. Music: Tom Long, Lisa Maza, Rachael Maza and the Faith Singers - members of the Wesley congregation and Big Issue vendors. Contact: Christina Rowntree 03 9852 7433
Monday 3
8pm		 La Voce Della Luna at Northcote Uniting Church, 251 High Street, Northcote. The reading of a story of a play and a series of Interesting Occurrences between mothers, daughters, ancestors, land, a house, refuge and death. With Carmelina di Guglielmo, Kavisha Mazzella, Jema Stellato Pledger, Stan Dryden. $5/10. Proceeds to Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. Thanks to the Myer Foundation.
June
Saturday, 17
7pm

'Club Refuge' at Ocean Grove Unting Church, corner Eggleston Street and The Parade, Ocean Grove. Cast: Kellie Jones, Kathy Lucas, Richie Hallal, Janelle Da Silva, Janine Mc Kenzie, Steven Georgiadis. Producer: Janelle Da Silva. Supported by The Surf Coast Rural Australians for Refugees
Thursday, 15
6.00 to 7.30 pm		 "Shutting the Door?", a public forum on the proposed Migration Amendment (Unauthorised Arrivals) Bill. Herbert Wilson Theatre, Doug McDonell Building, University of Melbourne. Speakers include Alice Garner (AfR); David Manne, Refugee and Imnmigration Legal Centre and head of the legal team representing the West Papuan asylum seekers; John Langmore, President of the United Nations Association of Australia; and Klaus Neumann, historian and author of Refuge Australia, History Department, University of Melbourne.
May
Thursday, 18
 'Club Refuge', plus readings and music with a new focus on Bridging E Visas and inspiring friendships and connections between refugees and Australian citizens; for Lavalla College and Traralgon S.C., Traralgon. Cast: Alice Garner, Tristan Pierce and others. Producer: Alice Garner (report here)
Tuesday, 16 'Club Refuge' at Clonard College in Geelong. Cast: Amanda LaBonte, Sophie Lampell and Don Bridges. 
Thursday, 11
8pm		 Sleepers Salon: Launch of Linda Jaivin's book Infernally Optimistic. Alice Garner in conversation with Linda Jaivin about her new book, set in Villawood Detention Centre. Dante's, corner of Gertrude & Napier Streets, Fitzroy.
March
Sunday 5
1.00pm		 Corinne Grant opens the Bid for Freedom art auction to raise money for refugees at Glen Eira Town Hall Gallery, Caulfield. (Around $90,000 raised!)
February
Saturday 18 'Something to Declare' at the Sustainable Living Festival Climate Refugee Forum, Federation Square. Cast: Liz Ralph, Kellie Jones, Di Greentree, Bahram Peirow, Rebecca Spalding Kylie Whyte. Produced by Liz Ralph and Di Greentree.
In a barb-wire canoe...
December
Friday 16 Alice Garner spoke on behalf of Actors for Refugees at the Galleon, St Kilda; in association with a screening of Anthem
October
Friday 28
1pm		 For Refugee Week, Anne Phelan joins a round table on 3CR Community Radio
Sunday 23
3pm		 'Something to Declare' at Anglican Church Hall, Castlemaine. Cast: Justine Beltrame, Maureen Sherlock, Mike Frencham and Adam McConvell. Music produced and performed by Debra Capp and Darren Bujeya.
Friday 7 'Club Refuge' for McKillop Catholic College, Werribee. Cast: Gary Down, Roger Oakley, Anne Phelan.
Thursday 6 "The Ballarat Tour" Three performances: 'Club Refuge' for Loreto College and Damascus College and 'Something to Declare', ACU Aquinas campus. Cast: Gary Down, Roger Oakley, Kathy Lucas, Anne Phelan. Music by Kara Ciezki.
Wednesday 5 'Something to Declare' at Monash Peninsula Campus, Frankston Cast: Kellie Jones, Anne Phelan, Don Bridges, John McTernan and Rebekah Stone.
August
Sunday 6
6.30pm		 'Something to Declare' at August Peace Festival (5pm - 8pm), Darlington Hall, Owen Road, Darlington, WA, Cast: Steve Turner, Andrew Hale, Renee MacIntosh, Irma Woods and Emma White. Producer: Suzanne Inglebrecht.
Sunday 6
3.30 - 4.45pm		 'Something to Declare' at Stanbridge Hall, Daylesford as part of the Daylesford Words in Winter Celebration. With Diana Greentree, Majid Shoukor, Kathy Lucas, Adam McConvell and Alice Garner. Admission $5.Click for festival details
July
Friday 22
7.30pm		 'Club Refuge' at the Conference of the Victorian Teachers of English (V.A.T.E.) at Latrobe University, Bundoora. Cast: Alice Garner, Diana Greentree, Bruce Myles, Kellie Jones and Rebecca Spalding. Produced by Diana Greentree.
Thursday 14
7.30pm		 'Club Refuge' as part of Melbourne PEN's launch (with Thomas Keneally and Arnold Zable), of "Another Country", the anthology of refugee writing. At Hawthorn Town Hall, Hawthorn. Music: Kavisha Mazzella. Cast: Babs McMillan, Diana Greentree, Bruce Myles, Anne Phelan.
June
Wednesday 8
7.30pm		 'Something to Declare' at Our Lady of Good Counsel, corner of Whitehorse and Deepdene Roads, Deepdene. Cast: Anne Phelan, Gary Down, Michael Gurr and Julie Eckersley. Music: Rebecca Spalding and Kylie Whyte. Special Guest Speaker: Petro Georgio.
May
Wednesday 18
2.00pm		 'Club Refuge' at St. Michael's Grammar. With Don Bridges, Roger Oakley, Kathy Lucas and Diana Greentree. Produced by Diana Greentree.
Monday 16
7.30pm		 'Club Refuge' at Toorak Uniting Church, 603 Toorak Rd. Toorak. With Anne Phelan, Roger Oakley, Diana Greentree, Alice Garner, Rebecca Spalding and Kylie Whyte. Produced by Diana Greentree.
11 - 28 May
Grant St Theatre
Grant St Southbank
Evening Performances:
Tuesdays - 6.30pm
Wed Sat - 8.00pm
Matinees:
Wed 18 & 25 - 1.00pm
Sat 14, 21, & 28 - 3.00pm
Sun 22 - 5.00pm
TICKET BOOKINGS:
Malthouse Box Office
9685 5111
Enquiries 0437 742 383		 Performing Lines in association with Melbourne Theatre Company presents Through The Wire - The inside story on refugees

Written and directed by Ros Horin

For many, our refugee situation is a moral dilemma. Our government believes in the long-term mandatory detention of asylum seekers who arrive on our shores without 'proper authorisation'.'Through the Wire' tells powerful stories of the human spirit. It recounts gripping true tales of repression and exile, dangerous escapes, powerful friendships, resilience and survival inside Australian detention centres.

A sell-out hit at the 2004 Sydney Festival and winner of the 2004 Rodney Seaborn Playwrights Award, 'Through the Wire' is disarmingly simple and thought-provoking theatre that urges us to replace suspicion and fear with compassion and hope.

"Through the Wire with its brilliant montage of lived experience ... gives voice to the voiceless, puts flesh on the facts and holds truth up to the lie" Simon Phillips, Artistic Director, MTC

"...One of the most powerful, moving and gripping theatrical experiences I have had. It is also a thoroughly joyous work; not a bleeding heart rant" Brett Sheehy Sydney Festival

“...electrifying theatre: as current as today's news and as timeless as a Persian love poem. For the play is, at its centre, a love story. It reminds us how empathy and an open heart is the only sure way we have to change the world” Geraldine Brooks, Author, Journalist, Foreign Correspondent

Adult $35
Concession $28
Group concession 10+ $30
School Groups 10+ $20 evening, $15 matineeWriter, Director, Producer: Ros Horin
Cast: Ali Ammouchi, Wadih Dona, Rhondda Findleton, Katrina Foster, Eloise Oxer, Shahin Shafaei, Hazem Shammas, Jamal Alrekabi
Set Designer: Seljuk Feruu
Lighting Designer: Stephen Hawker
Sound Designer: Max Lyandvert
Music: Jamal Alkrekabi
Costume Design: Genevieve Dugard
Film Projection Designers: Heidi Riederer & Nick Meyers
April
7.30pm
Sunday 10
Monday 11
Tuesday 12
Sunday 17
Monday 18
Tuesday 19
Metro Arts Theatre
109 Edward St
Brisbane
 Nothing But Nothing: One Refugee's Story written and performed by Towfiq Al-Qady, with live musical accompaniment by Taj Mahmoud, and featuring and exhibition of Towfiq Al-Qady's paintings.This one-man show, created and performed by Iraqi artist Towfiq Al-Qady, parallels the journey of refugees throughout the world who, in search of ?yes?, leave their country, their culture, home and family. However, as Towfiq relates, ?the ‘no’ follows us?. In Australia, refugees are detained indefinitely in Detention Centres or, if released, are given Temporary Protection Visas denying them the right to settle permanently in Australia.After many harsh experiences in Iraq, Towfiq travelled to Australia where he spent nine months in The Curtin Detention Centre (WA). Towfiq is currently living in Brisbane on a Temporary Protection Visa.'Nothing but Nothing' is about one man’s struggle to say ?yes? to democracy, freedom and peace.?My story is a story between ‘no’ and ‘yes’... between my struggles and suffering; and my dreams and hopes for the future.?This quest for hope is paralleled in Towfiq’s paintings, to be exhibited in the theatre during the season. These paintings feature vivid blooming flowers in the foreground, against images of cities in darkness, and faces searching for freedom. The production will also feature Traditional Arabic songs, with musical accompaniment by Taj Mahmoud on Oud, the Arabic Guitar.Tickets: $15 full $10 Concession (and groups of ten or more)
Bookings: (07) 3002 7100
Supported by: Duende Theatre Company, Actors for Refugees Qld and Metro Arts.
March
Sunday 20
12.45 pm		 'Something to Declare' St. Thomas Mores Church, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave. Cast: Lucy Bath, Sean Barker, Shirin Ludher and Nikki Rydon. Producer: Sonya Suares. "Both audiences (this and 18 March) moved by the show. Over $400 raised."
Friday 18
12.40 pm		 'Something to Declare' Evan Burge Lecture Theatre, Trinity College, Melbourne University, Parkville. Cast: Lucy Bath, Sean Barker, Shirin Ludher and Nikki Rydon. Producer: Sonya Suares.
February
Sun 6
12.30-1.30pm		 St Kilda Town Hall, Main Room. 'Something to Declare'. Performers Michael Gurr, Anne Phelan, Kellie Jones. Click for details.
In a barb-wire canoe... 2004
December
Fri 10 Griffith University. The Centre for Public Culture and Ideas in association with the Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice and Governance will host "Acts of Human Rights: Human Rights and the Creative Arts" symposium. Alice Garner on activities of AfR.
November
Mon 15
12.45pm		 ?'Something to Declare'? (30 min version) at the University of Melbourne as part of the “Health and Wellbeing of Refugees and Asylum Seekers Conference”. Cast: Jema Stellato Pledger and Sadie Wells. Music: Kylie Whyte.
Fri 12
7.30pm		 ?'Something to Declare'? @ Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar School Hall, Scott Street (near corner of Prospect Hill), Canterbury. Cast: Anne Phelan, Andrea Powell, Sadie Wells and Kellie Jones. Produced by Sadie Wells. Open to the public ... no bookings neccessary.
'Club Refuge', Wesley College. Invited and organised by 15 yr. old Wesley student Jonathan Harison. Produced by Di Greentree and performed by Don Bridges, Adam McConvell, Robyn Arthur, Rebecca Spalding and Di Greentree.
October
Sun 31
3pm
 'Club Refuge' at Montsalvat, Hillcrest Ave, Eltham. Open to the public. Proceeds to ChilOut (Children Out of Detention). Producer: Janelle Da Silva.
Sun 31
2pm
 'Something to Declare' at St Nicholas Anglican Church, cnr Bear & Barkly Streets, Mordialloc. Cast: Babs McMillan, Drew Tingwell, Kathy Lucas, Lisa Petty. Music: Alice Garner (cello), Dave Bowers (guitar)
Sat 30
2pm

 For the final day of National Refugee Week, 'Club Refuge' at the Footscray Library, Paisley Street, Footscray. Performers include Kellie Jones, Di Greentree, Janelle Da Silva, Jackie Bornstein and Yalin Ozocelik.
Sun 24
 Melbourne Town Hall. Kate Atkinson, Alice Garner, Annie Phelan, Diana Greentree and Rebecca Spalding performed excerpts from 'Club Refuge' as part of the launch of Refugee Week in Victoria.
Sun 24
 4pm		 Adelaide. 'Something to Declare' Odeon Theatre, Norwood. Enquiries to Emma Beech emmbeech@internode.on.net
Tue 21
7.00pm		 Student Lounge, Monash University, Northways Road, Churchill. 'Something to Declare' Anne Phelan and Cast from Actors For Refugees. Contact Marianne Robinson@arts.monash.edu.au
Sun 10
2pm		 'Something to Declare', 2pm, Holy Saviour Church, Highbury Rd, Vermont South. Open to Public. Cast:  Anne Phelan, Gary Downs, Tamara Searle, Kellie Jones, Kylie Whyte. Produced by Kylie Whyte.
Wed 6 Parliament House, Canberra. AfR's Kate Atkinson, Georgina Naidu and Rupert Reid joined Merlin Luck, federal politicians and students from across Australia at a Parliamentary Youth Forum organized by Australians Against Racism (AAR). The day included the prize presentation for AAR's 'There is No Place like Home', a story and essay competition, during which the winning pieces were read and discussed.
Sat 2
2pm		 'Something to Declare' Barry Jones Auditorium (next to Ipswich Library) 40 South St, Ipswich. Free Event – No bookings required. Directed by Ian Lawson, music by Adam Couper. Performed by Kerith Atkinson, Eugene Gilfedder, Danny Murphy and Yvette Walker. There will be time for questions and discussion after the performance. Further enquiries: Mary 3812 2155 or marynem@optusnet.com.au
September
Sun 26
2pm		 Excerpts from 'Something to Declare' in the Queen St Mall, Brisbane, Lower Mall stage. Performed by Marcel Dorney and Emily Tomlins, accompanied by musician Adam Couper and directed by Leticia Caceres.
Wed 15
7pm		 Hobart. 'Something to Declare' at the Theatre Royal, 29 Campbell Street. Starring Anne Phelan, John Unicomb, John Xintavelonis and Sara Cooper. Featuring Maria Lurighi and friends. Directed by David Lander. Sponsored by Printing Authority of Tasmania, Theatre Royal and Edinburgh Gallery B&B. For enquiries contact Producer Meri Robson merirobson@iprimus.com.au
Wed 15
7:30pm		 'Club Refuge' with Living National Treasure, Julian Burnside. Holy Advent Church, Kooyong Rd. Armadale. Produced by Diana Greentree. Cast: Julian Burnside, Alice Garner, Di Greentree, Bruce Myles, Rebecca Spalding, Adam McConvell, Deidre Rubenstein and Kylie Whyte.
Wed 15
 'Club Refuge' performed at Footscray Community Arts centre for the Shadowlands - This is My Case Conference. With Jema Stellato Pledger, Jane Bayley and Carmellina Di Guglialmo.
Tue 7
10.30am		 Avila College, 'Club Refuge',at Bayview Conference Centre, Bayview Rd, Clayton (not open to public).  Cast:  Di Greentree, Adam Hunter, Kellie Jones, Gary Downs, Tamara Searle, Jackie Bornstein, Kylie Whyte. Produced by Kylie Whyte.
Sun 5
2pm		 AfR Queensland presents 'Something to Declare' at St Lukes Hall, 190 Ekibin Road East, Ekibin (bus 112, stop 30). Performed by Fiona Doyle, Jodie LeVesconte, Marcel Dorney, Emily Tomlins and Sean Dennehy. Original music by Robert D Clark, performed by Gavin Henderson. Directed by Leticia Caceres. There will be time for questions and discussion after the performance. Free event - No Bookings Required Contact christinakoch@uq.edu.au or Kathryn (0431 968 427) or Chris (0423 295 493)
August
Sun 29
1:30pm		 Bicentennial Centre, Queanbeyan. Actors for Refugees will perform 'Something to Declare'. The play, organised in conjuction with the Amnesty International Australia ACT and Southern NSW Branch, features actors Kate Atkinson and Tom Long, stars of the ABC hit TV series SeaChange. Musical accompaniment will be provided by Tim McLean.
Sat 28
2.30pm		 National Theatre, Braidwood. Actors for Refugees will perform 'Something to Declare'. The play, organised in conjuction with the Amnesty International Australia ACT and Southern NSW Branch, features actors Kate Atkinson and Tom Long, stars of the ABC hit TV series SeaChange. Musical accompaniment will be provided by Tim McLean.
Thur 26 'Something to Declare' at Laverton. Producer: Don Bridges. Contact: Jenny Brockman jbrocko@optusnet.com.au
Wed 25
11am		 'Something to Declare'. Building A at Broadmeadows TAFE, Pearcedale Pde, Broadmeadows. Stellar cast includes Kylie Whyte, Di Greentree, Adam Hunter, Kaori Hammamoto and Kellie Jones. The convener at TAFE is Gianna Natarella 9279 2304. Primarily for students, but others welcome.
Thur 12 'Something to Declare'. Mountview Uniting Church, Mitcham. Cast: Christine Bacon, Leo Faust, Genevieve Picot and Sadie Wells. Music by Will Tait. Organised by Deakin Residents for Refugees.
Wed 11 "'Club Refuge'" Clonard College, Geelong. Produced by Kathy Lucas. Cast: Kathy Lucas, Gary Down, Di Greentree and Ella.
Sun 8 'Something to Declare' in Launceston. Cast: Hon. Don Wing, President of the Legislative Council of Tasmania, Janie Dickenson, Mayor of Launceston, Mandy Shepherd, Announcer 7LA radio and Jeremy Ball, Greens staffer. Directed by Angela Driver, Administrator, Tasdance. The Co-ordinator Nicole Jobson, of CentreStage,  Country Club Resort, Theatrical Development awardee, 2004. Improvised music was by Dr David Sudmalis (keyboard), music lecturer, School of Visual and Performing Arts and Tony Carew (sax) student.
Fri 6 'Something to Declare' at the National Institute of Circus Arts, Prahran. Cast: Rashelle McHugh, Nancy Cato, Jude Beaumont, John Bayliss. Music by Rachel Cato.
Sun 1 Lilydale Heights Secondary College Theatre, 4pm. Cast: Anne Phelan, Kylie Whyte, Rebecca Spalding, Bruce Myles, Don Bridges, Kathy Lucas, Margot Knight, Di Greentree. (A special one to celebrate Anne Phelan's birthday!)
July
Mon 26 Newhaven College. 'Club Refuge'. Cast: Maggie Millar, Stephanie Daniles, Roger Oakley, Di Greentree, Kylie Whyte, Kathy Lucas and guest Bahram. Produced by Maggie Millar.
Sun 25 Philip Island. 'Club Refuge'. Cast: Maggie Millar, Stephanie Daniles, Roger Oakley, Di Greentree, Kylie Whyte, Kathy Lucas and guest Bahram. Produced by Maggie Millar.
Sun 25 'Something to Declare' at St Michael's Hall in Ashburton on July 25. Cast was Kate Atkinson, Deidre Rubenstein, Christine Bacon and Kellie Jones with music by Tim McLean. $2000 was raised for donation to Hotham Mission.
Sun. 11 Mildura Arts Centre Galley #4 Produced by Bryan Davidson Blue. Performed by Tracy Macleod, Christine Celegon, Talia Thomas and Ben Rizzuto. Original Music written and performed by Madeleine Thiele, accompanied by Matt Trenorden. Original Instrumental music composed by Matt Simpson and Josh Van Looy. Further info contact Bryan : bjdav6@student.monash.edu
Thurs 8 Actors for Refugees' flagship production 'Something to Declare' performed before a capacity audience at the Melbourne Town Hall. Cast including Helen Morse, Pamela Rabe, Alison Whyte and Daniela Farinacci. Directed by Bruce Myles. Produced by Christine Bacon. $10 000 was raised.
June
Sun 20
Mon 21		 For World Refugee Day, AfR presented 'Club Refuge' to MP's, press and staff at Parliament House, Canberra; plus additional performances for public and students at the Canberra Youth Theatre.
Sun 20
 An excerpt of 'Something to Declare' at Barbukka in Collingwood as part of an Amnesty International event. Performed by Charlotte George and Christine Bacon, music by Holly Ball.
Sun 20
 A full-length performance of 'Something to Declare' at the Fitzroy Town Hall, performed by Deidre Rubenstein, Kellie Jones, Christine Bacon and Tom Stringer. Music by Tim McClean. $700 raised
Sat 19 AfR in Perth! 'Something to Declare' staged at Victoria Hall in Fremantle. Cast: George Shevstov (Japanese Story, Love Serenade), Glenn Hayden, Francesca Waters and Ingrid Hartwig. Directed by Black Swan’s new artistic director Tom Gutteridge and launched by Dr Carmen Lawrence.
Sat 19 'Something to Declare' in Brisbane at La Boite's Roundhouse theatre lined at 5pm and 8pm. For more information contact producer Chris Koch christinakoch@uq.edu.au
Sat 19 'Something to Declare' at 'Unity in Diversity’ an event organized by VUT students for World Refugee Day. Producer Shirin Ludher sludher@ihug.com.au.
Sat 19 Maidstone. 'Something to Declare' performed by Anne Phelan, Kellie Jones, Christine Bacon and Sadie Wells. Music by Tim Minchin.
Thurs 3
Fri 4		 AfR tours various shows through Moe, Neerim South and Foster.
May
Sat 22 Christine Bacon, Kate Atkinson and Don Bridges performed excerpts of "'Something to Declare'" to launch a weekend of campaign workshops for Rural Australians for Refugees in Leongatha.
Fri 28 'Something to Declare' at The Terminus Hotel, Abbotsford. Cast: Alison Whyte, Michael Gurr, Corinne Grant and Neil Pigot. Original music by Tim Minchin. Over $1000 raised to be used to stage the same show at the Melbourne Town Hall on July 8.
April
Sun 25 Di Greentree spoke about the work of A.F.R. to Williamstown Rotary and raised $1000 which will cover our trip to Canberra (to perform 2 short shows for politicians in Parliament House , two public performances in Canberra Youth Theatre, and one High School show)
Fri 23 Mt. Eliza Secondary College. Cast: Don Bridges, Di Greentree, Margot Knight, Kathy Lucas and Adam McConvell. Donations Around $200 to be given to refugees in Baxter, and a further 10% to A.F.R. costs.
Thur 15 Stand Up for Refugees; comedy benefit gig at Fad Gallery, Chinatown to raise money to stage ‘'Something to Declare'’ at the Melbourne Town Hall on July 8. Produced by Charlotte George and Christine Bacon. Comedians who donated their time included Chris Addison, The Four Noels, Daniel Kittson, Fiona O’Loughlin, Charlie Pickering, Michael Chamberlain, Lawrence Leung, Andrew McClelland, Charlotte George, Denise Scott and Lyn Shakespeare. MC was Julian Morrow. $2500 was raised. Lots of laughs were had.
Sun 4 'Something to Declare' at Chapel off Chapel, Prahran. Produced by Jackie Rees.  Cast: Anne Phelan, Jeremy Linsday-Taylor, Deborah Mailman and Michael Gurr. Original music written and performed by Eddie Perfect.
March
Mon 1 'Something to Declare' Year 11 and 12 students at Methodist Ladies College, Hawthorn. Produced by Olivia Galsson. Cast: Jackie Ress-Kafkaloudies, Christine Bacon, Robin Garden and Darren Natale. Music by Jillian Button.
February
Sat 7 'Something to Declare' in Brisbane, produced by Chris Koch. Cast: Margi Brown-Ash, Stace Callaghan, Yalin Ozucelik and Niki-J Witt. Original music composed by Robert D. Clark, featuring Gavin Henderson on guitar. To get involved with AfR Brisbane, contact Chris Koch christinakoch@uq.edu.au
January
Mon 26 'Club Refuge' at Benalla, organised by Benalla Rural Australians for Refugees for an Afghan weekend. Cast: Anne Phelan, Di Greentree, Jeremy Lindsay-Taylor, and Margot Knight. Music by Rebecca Spalding, Kylie Whyte and guest performer, Bahram.


In a barb-wire canoe...2003
December
Sat 13 Alice Garner and Rebecca Spalding performed Rebecca's song 'Refuge' for Amnesty's Daybreak in Detention, North Melbourne.
Thur 4 Kan Yama Kan, 20-minute reduced cast version, performed for Ethnic Communities Council of Australia Conference, at ACMI, Federation Square (with Alice Garner)
November
Sat 29 'Something to Declare' at the Big West Festival, Footscray. Produced by Syd Brisbane. Cast: Anne Phelan, Christine Bacon, Kristian Pithie and Olivia. Music by Jo Trevatham.
Wed 26 'Something to Declare' performed at Monstalvat in Eltham, produced by Karyn Kamminga. Cast: Karyn Kamminga, Dennis Coard, Debra Lawrance, Reg Evans, and music by Joanne Favilla. Almost $1000 was raised and then donated to the Fitzroy Learning Network to help pay for the Canberra trip.
Sun 23 AfR members appear on an episode of ABC Compass which looked at refugee advocacy in Australia. Here's a transcript.
Fri-Sun
22-24		 Fitzroy Learning Network takes Kan Yama Kan to Canberra, as part of a 'Refugees Say Thankyou Australia' lobbying delegation. Performances at Canberra Youth Theatre and Parliament House. See FLN's website for more details of this amazing trip
Thur 20 'Club Refuge' for Year 9's at Overnewton College, Taylors Lakes (cast: Margot Knight, Alice Garner, Bill Garner, Adam McConvell, Chelsea Brulands, music by Dave Bowers)
Tue 18 Kan Yama Kan preview show in Clifton Hill, starring Alice Garner
September
Mon 15 'Something to Declare' at Killester College in Springvale. Cast : Don Bridges, Charlotte George, Kathy Lucas. Tom Springer and Tristan Goodall. Money raised went to the Bridge for Asylum Seekers Foundation.
Sat 13 'Something to Declare' in Wonthaggi, organised by Felicia de Stefano of the South Gippsland branch of Rural Australians for Refugees. Cast: Christine Bacon, Margot Knight, David Tredinnick and Kristain Pithie. They were joined by local musicians Erin, Ian and Jane Chambers. $670 was raised and donated to organisations which support refugees.
Sun-Tues
7-9 		Bairnsdale tour, covering school and adult shows, in Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance and Sale. Cast: Margot Knight, Don Bridges, Di Greentree, Jeremy Lyndsay Taylor , Rebecca Spalding and Kylie Whyte.
Sun 7 AfR member Christine Bacon performed in 'Kan Yama Kan' in Daylesford.
Sat 6 'Something to Declare' at the North Melbourne Town Hall. Performed by Deidre Rubenstein, Tom Gutteridge, David Wicks and Margaret Mills. Music by euphonia; Alice Garner, Dee Hannan and Mairead Hannan. Produced by Kate McCaughey. Publicity: Joanne Trzcinski & Rose Bruhn. Bar Sponsors: Baddaginnie Hills vineyard. Approximately $2000 was raised and donated to the Fitzroy Learning Network.
Tue 2 Christine Bacon was guest speaker at a meeting of the refugee and asylum seeker workers at the St Vincent de Paul.
August
Sun Aug 31
- Tue Sept 2		 Tour to Bright/Beechworh, Myrtelford, schools and adult shows. Cast: Margot Knight, Don Bridges, Adam McConvell, Di Greentree
Tue 19 'Something to Declare' performed at Marian College, West Sunshine. Cast: Syd Brisbane, Jema Stellato-Pledger, Christine Bacon, Nick Farnell and Tristan Goodall.
Tue 12 Special performance at Maribyrnong Secondary College filmed by A.B.C. Compass (should be on air very soon) Cast: Alice Garner, Margot Knight, Di Greentree, Rebecca Spalding and David Tredinnick
Fri 8 'Something to Declare' at Sacred Heart College Geelong. Performed by Syd Brisbane, Christine Bacon, Majid Shokour, Charlotte George and Tristan Goodall.
July
Fri 25 'Club Refuge' at Queenscliff (see photos)
Wed-Thur
23-24		 'Club Refuge' at Warrnambool/Hamilton.
June
Tue 24 AfR members Kate Atkinson, Christine Bacon, Syd Brisbane and Anne Phelan were joined by Brian Dawe and Ramona Koval in reading excerpts from Lonely Planet's book of letters from people in Australian detention centres 'From Nothing to Zero' at Readings Carlton. The event also included commentary from Julian Burnside.
Sat 21 Beckett Theatre, Malthouse, South Melbourne. AfR launched "'Something to Declare' - Stories of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Australia" a script compiled by Michael Gurr, directed by Aubrey Mellor. Actors: Anne Phelan, Majid Shokor, Corinne Grant, Jeremy Lindsay-Taylor. Music: Dursan Acar, Alice Garner, Rebecca Spalding. $1,500 raised for the Asylum Seekers' Resource Centre (with a later donation of $10,000); which will help keep its doors open.
Sat 21 AfR took part in Amnesty's "Voices of Hope" awards presentation, with actors reading winning entries (including Kate Atkinson) in the Beckett Theatre, Malthouse. For more information click on Amnesty
Thur-Fri
19-20		 Torquay.  Actors for Refugees presented 'Something to Declare', a performance of refugee and asylum seeker stories, from a script compiled by Michael Gurr.  Performers: Anne Phelan, Kate Atkinson, Jeremy Lindsay-Taylor and Nick Farnell, with music performed by Alice Garner and David Bowers.
Sun 8 Christine Bacon was guest speaker at a Pax Christi forum on Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Sunshine.
Sun 1 AfR members attended a Temporary Protection Visa-holders' Community BBQ
May
Wed 14 'Club Refuge' at Deakin University Geelong. Performers were Di Greentree, Syd Brisbane, Anne Phelan, Christine Bacon and Rebecca Spalding.
Fri 9 'Club Refuge' at Mackinnon. Cast: Alice Garner, Margot Knight, Syd Brisbane and Emma Beech. Organiser: Di Greentree
Tue 6 AfR members attended the launch of Lonely Planet's book 'From Nothing to Zero'
April
Di Greentree represented AfR at a seminar in Geelong led by Julian Burnside.
Corinne Grant produced and distributed a flyer for AfR at the 2003 Melbourne Comedy Festival. The flyer contained useful sources of information about refugees in Australia.
Fitzroy Learning Network presented a mini version of their play Kan Yama Kan, with Alice Garner, Massoud and Aowham (original cast members of 2002 production) at a lunchtime Reichstein Foundation forum.
March
Mon 23 'Club Refuge' (readings and music by AfR) performed for Williamstown Festival, at Cafe Breizoz, Williamstown, 3:30p.m and 7:30 p.m. Performers include Tom Long, Kate Atkinson and Diana Greentree with musicians Jo Trevathen and Mal Hansford.
Thur 20 AfR joined the Permenent Protection for All campaign
Mon 3 Austcare Parliamentary Luncheon (for International Women's Day). Queen's Hall, Parliament House. Guest speaker Alice Garner spoke about the women who had influenced and inspired her in the area of refugee advocacy.
Mon 3 Reading of 'Lysistrata' (Aristophanes' anti-war play). Performers included AfR supporters Deidre Rubenstein and Genevieve Picot. Directed by Lindy Davies. Part of the worldwide Lysistrata project At Space 28 (VCA).
February
Thur 27 'Club Refuge' Ballarat. Three schools performances and an evening forum with eminent human rights lawyer, Julian Burnside QC, and Refugee Council Vic representative Jacki Dillon; 'Club Refuge' readings and songs, performed by Charlotte George, Diana Greentree and Rebecca Spalding and Alice Garner. Organised by Ballarat Refugee Support Network
Fri 14 AfR joined almost 200,000 people in Melbourne to march in opposition to a war with Iraq.


In a barb-wire canoe...2002
December
Mon 16 Charlotte George was a guest speaker at the launch of a document by the Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues (www.cmyi.net.au) The publication aims to highlight the experiences of refugee and newly arrived young people aged 12-25.
Thur 12 Representatives from AfR joined Deborra Lee-Furness to celebrate the years work of the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture, Parkville, and to launch their 2003 calendar (copies can be ordered by contacting VFST on (03) 9388 0022 or Sue McGrillen at mcgrillens@survivorsvic.org.au)
Tue 10 Amnesty's 'Faces of Hope' photographic exhibition and campaign launch in Sydney; Tina Bursill and Rupert Reid presented refugee stories.
Mon 9 Alice Garner and Kate Atkinson accepted a certificate (our second!) recognizing the contribution AfR has made to the work of the Fitzroy Learning Network.
Mon 2 "Australia is Refugees" Schools Story Competition organized my Australians against Racism. AfR participants Caroline Craig, Kate Atkinson, Alice Garner, Charlotte George, Jeremy Lindsay-Taylor read the winning entries at the awards ceremony, C.U.B Malthouse (the booklet of stories can be purchased by contacting info@australiansagainstracism.org)
November
Sat 23 Return of the Sacred Kingfisher Festival at CERES Brunswick, on the theme of "Seeking Sanctuary" (Majid Shokor, Usama from Kan Yama Kan involved) More info at www.ceres.org.au
Thur 21 Benefit Concert, proceeds to "Given the Chance Project for Refugees", teaching advocacy and employment skills to young adult refugees. Trades Hall, Carlton (Di Greentree to speak) Enquiries 9437 0931.
Thur 21 Diana Greentree spoke about AfR and delivered a piece from 'Club Refuge' at a fundraiser for the "Given the Chance" Project (teaching advocacy and employment skills to young adult refugees) at Trades Hall, Melbourne.
Wed 13 Anti-WTO Rally "Freedom to move, freedom to stay". 5 PM at Sydney Town Hall
Sat-Wed
9-13		 Médecins Sans Frontières [www.msf.org.au] national touring exhibition, Border Stories: an exhibition to bring refugees home, with actor/guide Wahibi Moussa. Southbank, Melbourne.
Tue 5 "'Club Refuge'" in Yarra Glen on Melbourne Cup Day (Rachael & Lisa Maza, Don Bridges, Alice Garner, Kate Atkinson, Anne Phelan, Margot & Jessica Knight, Rebecca Spalding, Di Greentree)
October
AfR "'Club Refuge'" Tour of regional S.A. This included performances for schools (where students also participated) and community groups in Port Pirie, Whyalla, Port Augusta and Baxter. (Organised by Emma Beech who was joined by Tom Davies, Tim Young and doco-maker, Andrew Fraser)
AfR assisted actor, Genevieve Lemon with the collection of names from Australia's arts and academic communities for an Anti-War in Iraq statement for presentation at UNSW.
Sun 27 "Rock 4 Refugees", a large scale music event in Sydney organised by "Musos for Refugees" was hosted by John Howard and featured (alongside many local bands) his "Always Greener" co-stars Caitlin McDougal and Abe Forsyth, Nathaniel Dean and others (thanks to the assistance of Kirsty McGregor)
Sat 26 Fitzroy Ball, fundraiser for Fitzroy Learning Network, producers of Kan Yama Kan and all-round-amazing community centre helping hundreds of refugees (actors attended, auction of signed TV memorabilia).
Fri 25 MEAA Equity Day, Sydney, for graduates of Australia's drama schools (Kate Atkinson spoke about Actors for Refugees)
Mon 21 Kan Yama Kan - Once Upon a Time, one-off return performance of Fitzroy Learning Network's play with refugee performers, musicians and AfR actors, in Spiegeltent, Melbourne International Festival.
Sat 19 'Club Refuge' travelled to Warrnambool (Di Greentree, Deidre Rubinstein, Bruce Myles, Anne Phelan performed)
Fri 18 Trivia night fundraiser for refugees, Wantirna (Kevin Summers MC'd; TV memorabilia auctioned)
Thur 17 Rock the Boats: forums and concerts on university campuses around Australia (A Just Australia with NUS and NTEU; Alice and Kate spoke at Melbourne Uni with former detainee and friend Malik)
Mon-Wed
14-16		 'Art of Dissent' conference, Melbourne International Festival (Jema Stellato Pledger on panel)
Sun 13 Rally for Peace, Melbourne (Anne Phelan spoke, Corinne Grant MC'd, Alice Garner played music
Sun 13 A reading of two works by Linda Jaivin (inc. "Seeking Djiran") and directed by Marta Dusseldorp for Sydney's King Cross Festival (cast included AfR supporters Kate Beahan and Joel Edgerton)
Fri 11 ACTU Young Unionists and Community Activists Forum, "Building a future through action" (Charlotte George spoke about AfR)
Mon 7 Launch of Austcare "Connections" Photographic Exhibition for Refugee Week, at the Malthouse, 113 Sturt St (including photo-essay on Alice and Parisa, from Kan Yama Kan)
September
Fri 20 Trivia Night at Melbourne Town Hall, hosted by Judith Lucy and Corinne Grant. Fundraiser for Asylum Seekers Resource Centre.
Sun-Mon
8 & 9		 Kate Atkinson spoke at the launch for the W.A. Refugee Alliance in Perth (which included performances from "Artists for Refugees", a W.A. affiliate of AfR) and at a vigil for Kashmiri detainee, Stephen Khan to mark the fourth year of his incarceration (over two years have been spent at the facility attached to Perth's domestic airport).
Tue 3 Claudia Karvan spoke about refugees on Marie Claire's What Women Want (Channel 10. 8.30 pm)
August
Sat 25 &
Fri 30		 Anne Phelan spoke at RAR Warragul rally, and at Tampa Day rally, Melbourne.
Tue 13 Alice Garner interviewed by Doug Aiton (3AK); discussed AfR
July
Sold-out season of Fitzroy Learning Network's new play about the refugee experience, Kan Yama Kan (Once Upon a Time), with Majid Shokor, Alice Garner, Lisa Maza and refugee performers (Trades Hall, Melbourne).
Anti-racism peer-education workshop for refugee and migrant young people, organised by the Western Young People's Independent Network (WYPIN) and the Equal Opportunity Commission Footscray (with Kate Atkinson)
Thur 25 Law Society of South Australia Convention, Adelaide (Kate Atkinson spoke at fundraising dinner for RASSA, Refugee Advocacy Service of S.A. and donated "SeaChange" scripts and items for auction)
Tue 16 Nation-wide campaign launch "A Just Australia" for Australians for Just Refugee Programs. Kate Atkinson, Alice Garner, Tom Long named patrons. (Launches: Melbourne: Kate Atkinson and Georgina Naidu; Sydney: Sacha Horler)
June
Amnesty International student Drama Festival (signed CD prize donated from "Secret Life of Us")
Wed 26 AfR "'Club Refuge'" readings for Footscray City Secondary College (including Nicholas Colla from 'Neighbours'). School readings program ongoing.
Sat 23 World Refugee Day rally (Melbourne: Diana Greentree spoke for AfR; Herald-Sun coverage, interview with Alice and photo with Anne Phelan)
Wed 19 World Refugee Day (Refugee Council of Australia) "Welcome Stranger" readings and music at Chapel off Chapel, Prahran (readers include Anne Phelan, John Wood, Todd McDonald, Joel Edgerton, Rachael Maza, Alice Garner; MC is Hung Le; music from Kavisha Mazzella)
May
Wed 29 AfR launch and readings at 45downstairs, Melbourne; readers include William McInnes, Alice Garner, Diana Greentree, Adam McConvell, Poly Kiyaga and others - we raised over $2000 for the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre and got some very useful media coverage
April
Sun 21 'Show Mercy' gala evening in support of asylum seekers, Sydney Town Hall (Tom Long and John Howard spoke).
Fri 15 Asylum Seekers Are People concert, 45downstairs, Melbourne (Alice Garner co-hosted)
March
Sat 24 Palm Sunday Rally, 1.30 pm, Melbourne Town Hall (Caroline Craig spoke at Treasury Gardens)
Thur 21 Launch of UniSA asylum seeker support group, Adelaide (Georgina Naidu spoke)
Thur-Sat
21-24		 Street theatre with Melbourne Workers Theatre (Alice Garner, Hamish Michael, Nick Farnell, Syd Brisbane and others performed in cages)
Fri-Sat
15-16		 Castlemaine (Vic) Rural Australians for Refugees Afghan cultural festival (Alice Garner spoke and read Sufi tale)
Thur 7 ChilOut's (Children in Detention) "SAD" Day, 5.30 pm Martin Place, Sydney (Tom Long spoke)
February
February - April Participation in media sub-committee of KIDS (Kids in Detention Study), a group of experts in mental health, education and law who collaborated in the creation of a report for the HREOC inquiry into children in detention.


In a barb-wire canoe...2001
November
AfR (including Claudia Karvan, Joel Edgerton, Tom Long, John Howard, Alice Garner and Kate Atkinson) endorsed and/or donated to the Australians against Racism community-funded ad launched on Human Rights Day (10 December).
Produced our own campaign badges, some of which were worn to the 2001 Australian Film Institute (AFI) awards ceremony and others which have been distributed in a small-scale fundraising effort.
Initiated a "bucket" fundraiser on Human Rights Day, carried out at and with the assistance of PlayBox Theatre Co. Money raised was directed to Community Aid Abroad and Asylum Seekers Resource Centre. Ongoing commitment to fund established by Simon Phillips (Artistic director of Melbourne Theatre Company) and managed by Ecumenical Migration Centre
October
Provided cameo performers from the cast of "SeaChange" for I came without my mother's hand, a theatre production developed and performed by teachers and refugee students of the Fitzroy Learning Network (at Trades Hall).
September - November
Appearances at a number of media events, including the press conference for Amnesty International Australia on Human Rights Day, a seminar for the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture, ABC TV's "Australia Talks" and ABC Radio's Arts programme.