NED – AN ORDINARY MAN,

AN EXTRAORDINARY LEGEND

Instantly recognisable, the Kelly armour barely hints at the astonishing series of events that came to pass in North East Victoria in the late 1800s, forever shaping our idea of Australian history.

NED tells the story of an ordinary boy, born to an Irish immigrant family living in poverty in country Victoria. The son of a convict, Ned sees how poorly his family is being treated and learns never to trust a man in uniform. He sees how the selectors are at the mercy of the squatters. And he knows how hard his mother works to keep his family together.

When his father dies Ned becomes the man of the house, at just 12 years old. His first arrest is at 14 and by 16 he is serving time in Pentridge Prison for receiving a stolen horse. His life is shaping up to be one full of petty misdemeanours, theft and scuffles with authority.

Ned’s life takes a catastrophic turn when his mother Ellen is accused of attempted murder of Fitzpatrick, a local police officer. Ned takes to the bush with his brother Dan, and friends Steve and Joe, with plans to avenge this injustice. The boys are pursued fervently by the police.

When they finally come upon each other, three policemen are killed one fateful night at Stringybark Creek.

Suddenly Ned has killed. Men. Police officers, no less. Yet rather than being condemned, his legend begins to grow.

NED shows us how this man was made – his family, his friends and the warmth, strength and courage of the women who helped to shape his life. It shows us why we should care about a criminal from a century long past. It shows us why we celebrate him. It allows us see ourselves in his struggle.

A stunning cast of actors and singers have been brought together to bring this World Premiere production to life, in co-operation with the Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo. With hauntingly beautiful melodies, raucous humour and a driving orchestral score that captures the sound of the Australian bush, NED will leave you humming while you ponder what it means to be Australian.

Ned Kelly: An Ordinary Man. An Extraordinary Legend.

GROANING DAM PRODUCTIONS

PRODUCER

Groaning Dam Productions is a new Australian theatre production company directed by Adam Lyon. The commitment of the company is to create and produce fresh musical theatre with a uniquely Australian flavour.

NED is Groaning Dam’s first foray into production in conjunction with The Capital Venues & Events and their new Ulumbarra Theatre. NED represents a long term development project for Adam and the Groaning Dam team, an epic tale from Australia’s past to mark a new chapter in Australia’s musical theatre future.

CAPITAL VENUES & EVENTS

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Capital Venues and Events is a business unit of the City of Greater Bendigo. It is the custodian of three theatres including the new Ulumbarra Theatre, in which NED will have its world premiere.

Bendigo has a growing reputation as a cultural centre, notably through the work of the Bendigo Art Gallery and more recently through Capital Venues and Events’ development of the Bendigo Writers Festival, Bendigo International Festival of Exploratory Music and now through NED.

Capital Venues and Events vision is to be an incubator for performing arts and to create opportunities for and support those Central Victorians who aspire to a career in the performing arts industry.

THE NED ORCHESTRA

Cynthia Holsworth, Meg Taylor, Karen Lichnovsky, Jacqui Vine, Cathy Moore, Steve Vine, Bridget Graham, Tammy Bonazza, Jeanette Stoll, Ruby Shirres, Cally Bartlett, Anne Begg, Martin Jenner, Curtis Reardon, Jesse Gardner, Cheryl Long, Louise Matthews, Chris Blackshaw, David Turpie.

 

NEED MORE NED?

IMAGINING NED
A BENDIGO ART GALLERY FOUNDATION EXHIBITION

28 March – 28 June 2015

Ned Kelly remains a highly mythologised character in Australian history. Some say he was a murderous villain and outlaw, while others proclaim him a misunderstood folk hero – an Australian Robin Hood. The story of Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang has captured the imaginations of Australian artists and writers over the last century inspiring masterpieces such as Sidney Nolan’s Kelly Series. Imagining Ned will explore the history and legend surrounding the Kelly gang through original artefacts; such as Kelly’s famous armour, letters, weaponry, associated ephemera and other historic items.

The most iconic artistic engagement with the legend of Ned Kelly is undoubtedly the work of celebrated Australian artist Sidney Nolan. The exhibition will feature a selection of Nolan’s important works alongside those of other artists such as Arthur Boyd, Juan Davila and Norman Lindsay. Literary references will also be explored in the exhibition including significant works by Peter Carey amongst others.

Visit the website: Bendigo Art Gallery

 

WHY NOT STAY FOR THE WEEKEND?

ACCOMMODATION PARTNER
THE SCHALLER STUDIO

Drawing from the art and cultural overtones of Bendigo, The Schaller Studio is inspired by Mark Schaller’s working studio.

With large edgy communal spaces, rooms filled with original artwork, large scale sculptures and mosaics across the landscaped gardens, guests can fully immerse themselves in the creative process. For a multifaceted art inspired experience, regular art classes, art tours and artisan markets will be on offer at our boutique Bendigo accommodation.

Just inside the doors of The Schaller Studio, The Pantry celebrates the local produce of Bendigo and beyond in a relaxed cafe setting. With a focus on seasonal fare, we’ll help fuel your creativity.

On the corner of Lucan and Bayne Street, The Schaller Studio is a hop away from the vibrant arts precinct with public transport, the Bendigo Hospital, shopping and restaurants at the doorstep.

Visit the website: The Schaller Studio

ULUMBARRA THEATRE

Surrounded by the walls of Bendigo’s historical Sandhurst Gaol, this state-of-the-art theatre provides exceptional experiences for performers and audiences alike. The intriguing entrance through the original cell block leads to a large, modern foyer uniquely blending past with present. The name Ulumbarra (pronounced u-lum-ba-ra) – means gather together or meeting place in the language of the Dja Dja Wurrung people. Reflecting the original indigenous use of the site as a lokout and meeting place the name Ulumbarra promises to bring the culture of the Dja Dja Wurrung back into the landscape of our city.

Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo welcomes another part of regional Victoria’s history through the new Australian musical NED. Seeing NED at Ulumbarra Theatre is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that begins from the minute you pass the still visible gallows and cells until you are left applauding at the end of the evening.

ULUMBARRA THEATRE | EXPLORE BENDIGO | CAPITAL VENUES & EVENTS