SALVAGE was a series of thought provoking and challenging workshops that unearthed and developed stories of recovery and hope after the Black summer Bush Fires 2019-2020. These stories evolved into a multimedia show that was presented and performed by fire affected members of the Greater Lithgow community at the Lithgow Union Theatre on 9 April 2022.

The Trybal Productions team modelled the workshops to follow the phases of disaster recovery outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Salvage is an installation and art performance activity based on the recovery experience following the recent 2019/20 bushfires that devastated Lithgow and surrounding areas.

Workshops

Out of the workshop spaces the team explored the local environment for props, sculpture, interviews and locations for creating Virtual Reality experiences and multimedia installations.

“Workshops were held at Lithgow Information and Neighbourhood centre LINC. An incredible organisation that is a central hub for community support.”

“Then COVID happened, alternate venues were found, the group was split, masks were worn, RAT testing done, and eventually we had to succumb to the dreaded Zoom Meeting. We persevered, but like so many Art’s organisations we sadly had to put the workshops on hold.”

“After a process that spanned two years of the Covid Pandemic we finally crossed the line.  The Ensemble: Suzanne Day, Nyssa Hart, Robert Janelle, Saaskia Girdler, Helen Swinton, Paul Meverley and Georgia Swinton delivered amazing performances  that resonated deeply with the sold out audience.”

“The evening was a attended by many of the members of the Lithgow Community that were impacted by the fires and who had generously shared their stories with us and allowed us to weave those stories through this production for the benefit of all present.”

Learn more about the project and see pictures on the Trybal Productions website.