Director Annie Bilton was captivated by the story of Betsy, a 13-year-old girl who became friends with Napoleon during his exile on the remote island of St Helena.
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"The story of what happened to Betsy afterwards, when she and her family came to the colony of New South Wales in 1824, is even more dramatic. It's the story of her switchback fortunes through drought and destitution to finally become a successful author," Ms Bilton said.
"Now heroine Betsy is the focus of a play to be premiered locally in 2021.
"This is a story that will resonate with many in our region who've survived terrible hardship in recent years of drought, fire, flood, and now pandemic."
The Bungonia based director had plans to showcase the play in Lieder Theatre as part of Goulburn 2020. However, that plan had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
She will be in Goulburn to audition local actors for different roles in the play.
"There are roles for men and women of all ages and a cameo role for a young girl between 7-12 years," she said.
She is keen to direct the play in this area as "the root of the story is in Bungonia."
"We plan to perform the play in March next year and have the permission to perform it in a 1840s church in Bungonia," she said.
It will also be performed in Crookwell and Marulan.
Ms Bilton is not new to theatre and has worked as an actor, director, and playwright in Yokohama, Michigan, Singapore, Sydney, Newcastle and Central Coast.
"Every new venture has its challenges but that's also the joy of the work, and I'm excited to be meeting new creative people in the area, and working with local actors," she added.
The auditions will be held at Lieder Theatre on Thursday, September 24 from 7- 9:30am and on Saturday, September 26 from 2-4:30pm.
Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal have funded the play which is being supported by Bungonia and District Historical Society.
For more information, contact Annie Bilton on 0432 109 977.
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