The Comprehensive A-Z of Missing Persons in Australia by WA Youth Theatre Company

Details: Written by: Nita Teoh; Category: Arts & Culture; Published: 22 November 2024

A-Z-Missing-Persons-Australia-WA-Youth-Theatre-Company

The Comprehensive A-Z of Missing Persons in Australia by WA Youth Theatre Company
Photo Credit: Daniel J Grant

On a balmy Thursday evening, I was lucky enough to attend the opening night of “The Comprehensive A-Z of Missing Persons in Australia” (“A-Z”) at the Liberty Theatre in the Perth CBD with a friend.

As we sat in the foyer of the once dormant Liberty Theatre at Barrack St chatting away pre show, we observed the many sheets of A4 paper pinned wall to wall listing the names of missing persons.

Each year approximately 55,000 Australians go missing and many are never found – the first 48 hours is critical for finding a missing person.

The dimly lit stage of the theatre with distressed flaking paint adorning the walls was suddenly brought to life as the group of young actors burst onto the stage with their energetic dance routine – an interesting start to a serious topic.

The story revolves around Em a radio host who knows only too well what it is like to live with a missing loved one. She keeps herself busy with her radio job but in the background is the constant whirring in her mind about her friend that went missing, along with frequent visits from a Tasmanian Tiger who befriends her.

“A-Z” is an insightful and perceptive exploration into the world of missing persons.

Of note is the staggeringly high percentage of young people who go missing, along with the high percentage of the missing who have mental health issues.

The creative team of Amelia Bourke (Director), Producer Zoe Hollyoak (Producer) and Grace Chow (Writer), have collaborated to produce a riveting piece of contemporary theatre.

Writer Grace Chow has gone from strength to strength – this being her second play – her first play The Promised Land having won the prestigious Griffin Award (2022).

The use of the screen projections throughout the performance (my all time favourite being the letters dropping down one at a time like snowflakes) cast a beautiful aura on the actors on stage, while the vibrancy of the cast of the WA Youth Theatre Company (WAYCO) shone through in their performance.

All up – it was an enjoyable and thought provoking night of theatre performed with heart.

As we left the theatre, my friend and I engaged in conversation about missing persons and the long lasting effects that it must have on families and their loved ones.

The Comprehensive A-Z of Missing Persons in Australia is showing at the Liberty Theatre until 30 November.