‘Communities and neighbourhood are important’
The Millers Point Song Book provides a unique glimpse into the history and characters which make Millers Point in Sydney fascinating. It dives into its post-
A NEW folk cabaret The Millers Point Song Book will take to the stage at the Garrison Church in The Rocks from May 24.
Prolific Sydney musical writer Joanna Weinberg (La Luna, The Secret Singer, Pandora’s Bag, Brief Tales, Lifeforce, Every Single Saturday and Goddess) is the composer and lyricist of 24 lively and fascinating new historical songs, and two songs are written by Millers Point local Susan Hunt.
Its musical director is well-known Sydney community musician Michelle Goldman.
The Millers Point Song Book provides a unique glimpse into the history and characters which make Millers Point in Sydney fascinating. It dives into its post-colonial history – beginning in 1833 when the area was named and finishes in 2024 with the story of the Sirius building and its transformation from public housing to high end commercial property.
Speaking to The AJN, Weinberg said that the performance is for young and old and conveys that history is not boring, it can be “top-notch entertainment”.
The show came about after local heritage architect Anne Warr saw the musical La Luna, written and directed by Weinberg in 2023 and thought she would be a good fit to write a show about Millers Point. Warr had a heritage grant for the area and used it to commission the work.
Weinberg said key messages of Millers Point Song Book are: “A history of evictions in a working-class area which was renowned for its close-knit community; People protesting against government intervention”, as well as “acknowledgement that this is a colonial story.”
She said it also conveys that “communities and neighbourhood are important for social wellbeing”.
The show is performed by Rob Johnstone, Eliane Morel, Megan Walshe and Annerose de Jong, as well as James Hart as narrator. They are supported by three musicians: Paul Miskin on banjo, Jeremy Cook on percussion and Goldman on piano, while local community choir Choir Rocks provides backing.
Goldman told The AJN, “Working with this cast has been a dream. The four principal cast members are all ‘triple threats’ – they sing, dance and act fabulously. They, and the narrator, are so committed, talented and creative.”
On working with Weinberg she said, “Working with Jo has been, as always, a real joy. Jo is a true teller of yarns and a brilliant composer.”
Weinberg has written 16 one-woman shows and six musicals. She trained as an actor and started writing musicals and cabaret shows in her thirties.
“I started directing after my kids left home and I am currently fundraising to take La Luna, my musical about Gracia Nasi Mendes, to Melbourne and then to bring it back to Sydney for a full run.
“This piece is very close to my heart as it is my first and only full length Jewish work. It is available to watch on Emanuel Plus, the digital platform of our synagogue.”
For several decades, Goldman’s professional background was split between her primary profession as a family lawyer and as a musician.
“After 35 years in the legal profession, I retired late last year and am happily pursuing as much music as I can,” she said.
“The opportunity to work with Jo on the Millers Point Songbook is a real treat.”
The Millers Point Song Book will be performed at the Garrison Church, 60 Lower Fort St, Millers Point from May 24 to May 28 at 7pm.
To book tickets visit events.humanitix.com/the-millers-point-songbook
comments