Legends of the Sky
Maggie Morrison of Mordialloc, Victoria, learned that her land was once the site of aviatrix and former Mayor of Mordialloc, Gertrude McKenzie’s home.
She then took particular interest in a local newspaper story about Gertrude’s unmarked gravesite being discovered in Cheltenham Memorial Park by Aviation Historical Society of Australia Secretary, Neil Follett, who later arranged to restore the headstone.
Inspired to pay tribute to Gertrude McKenzie in a performance project, Maggie invited fellow writer/directors Cheryl Threadgold and Jim Williams to collaborate on the project.
The result is a 90 minute on-site performance project titled Legends of the Skies, paying tribute to air legends and machines, being presented at the Australian National Aviation Museum, Moorabbin Airport, on April 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 at 8.00pm.
Original music is by Keith Morgan, with lighting design by Alan Crispin. The cast includes Debbie Keyt, Stephen Leeden, Clare Andrews, David Dodd, Carlyn Williams, Juliet Charles, Maggie Morrison, Jim Williams, Chris Churchward, Rita Crispin and Chris Hunter. Neil Barnett is Stage Manager and Julie Williams is coordinating costumes.
The audience will move around the museum between scenes, which include the Ceres, a ‘pre-loved’ aircraft created for agricultural use.
The Beaufort plane also features in a scene exploring the myriad of emotions caused by the news of war, and highlighting the contribution of test pilots during the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation’s development.
Another scene, based on a true story written by Mordialloc man, Frank Jones, tells of his experience in fire fighting work as a young airman.
Operation Kingfisher tells the tragic tale of the Aussie paratroopers who trained in Douglas DC3s to help rescue Prisoners of War at Sandakan in North Borneo during World War 2, with disastrous consequences for the POW’s when the operation was cancelled.
In a light-hearted segment, we learn how the Sea Venom, a specially modified plane used on Australian aircraft carriers from 1956 – 1967, became a valuable part of Australia’s defences during this period.
New Zealand aviator Jean Batten also tells her story. Batten’s oceanic flights during the 1930s from England to Australia, New Zealand and South America, ranked with those of Amy Johnson and Amelia Earhart.
And what about Harry Houdini? Did he really make the first sustained powered-controlled flight at Digger’s Rest in 1910?
Homage is also paid of course to the inspiration for this performance project, Gertrude McKenzie (portrayed by Rita Crispin), who taught many people to fly from her flying school at the Moorabbin Airport. A park situated near the museum is named in Gertrude’s honour.
Legends of the Skies also helps showcase the wonderful work of volunteers and the exhibition at the Australian National Aviation Museum, situated at Moorabbin Airport.
Season: April 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 at 8.00pm
Venue: Australian National Aviation Museum, Second Avenue, Moorabbin Airport.
Audience capacity: 30 per performance.
Show duration: 90 minutes, incl. interval
Tickets: $20 incl. show and light refreshments
Bookings: http://www.trybooking.com/42941
Enquiries: 9580-2387 or 9589-4912
Images (from top): Co-writer/directors of Legends of the Skies: Cheryl Threadgold (left), Jim Williams and Maggie Morrison; Stephen Leeden (Harry Houdini) and Claire Andrews (Phillipa, the reporter); David Dodd (left) and Jim Williams at the Sea Veno; Neil Barnett (left) looks worried at Keith Morgan's antics; Julie Williams and Alan Crispin discuss lights and costumes; and Debbie Keyt (Jean Batten) with the Percival Gull.monoplane
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