History & Education

From the voices of many comes the story of one nurse. Using a series of correspondence from multiple sources, writer and director Cheryl Ward has developed this performance piece that is best experienced in a setting sympathetic to the story – she uses abandoned tunnels and air raid shelters to great effect.

NSW Curriculum

NSW Curriculum links that connect with the themes and events in Through These Lines.

Objective links Outcome links
Modern History
Key issues in world history – World War I and the role of the Allied and ANZAC forces P1.1, P1.2, H1.1
The process of historical inquiry – the story of the letters and the ensuing research and verification of data P3.2, P3.3, P3.4, P3.5 H3.2, H3.3, H3.4, H3.5
Communicating an understanding of history – interpretation, characters, presentation in appropriate dialogue P4.1, P4.2, H4.1, H4.2
English
Understanding the language of personal expression 3.3, 3.4, 4.3
Understanding how the use of language shapes the meaning of dialogue and influences responses 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
Adapting of language to communicate information, ideas and values for a variety of purposes, audiences and contexts. 7.2
Human Society and its Environment – Society and Culture
Understanding social and cultural concepts – how people relate and interact in groups given their cultural identity and social norms P1, P2, H1, H2, H3
Exploring the influence of change on a society – World War II P5, H5
Explores how the different ways that information is presented is appropriate in differing contexts and audiences P9, P10, H9, H10
Creative Arts – Drama
Exploring and understanding ideas and situations in order to develop characters and role P1.1, P1.2, H1.1, H1.2
Learning about, appreciating and utilizing the collaborative nature of theatre P1.7, P1.8, H1.7, H1.8, H1.9
Understanding the impact of the technical side of a production on a subject matter P1.4, P1.5, H1.4, H1.5

Australian Curriculum

Analysis and use of sources is a common part of the historical skills outcome in all of the history (F-10) and modern history (Y11+12) topics in the Australian Curriculum.

Schools, Teachers and P&C / P&F Associations

Contact us about a half-hour post-performance Q&A with writer Cheryl Ward and cast members.

And we’d very much appreciate if you could include a notice about our performances in your school newsletter.

Parental guidance recommended: low level violence, simulated surgical procedures, very occasional course language, loud noises.

Talbot House

Our daughter at the piano of Talbot House, Poperinghe

We are committed to making our research on the Australian Army Nursing Service’s contributions during the Great War available to students and teachers alike.

We have a dedicated research section, highlighting both our notes taken from archival material held at various institutions (AWM, SLNSW, SLVIC etc) as well as insight into our original research locating the sites of the hospitals and facilities across Lemnos, France and Belgium.

Good Reads

In all those lines: the diary of Sister Elsie Tranter
In all those lines: the diary of Sister Elsie Tranter
Our favourite first-hand account; like the editors of this book, we have a great affection and admiration for Sister Elsie Tranter – View on Trove
More Than Bombs and Bandages
More Than Bombs and Bandages
What work did they do? Dr Kirsty Harris' meticulous research to reveal the daily practice of our military nurses is also eminently readable – View on Trove
The Other Anzacs
The Other Anzacs
Journalist and author Peter Rees pulls together a number of nurses' accounts to give a great introduction to their story – View on Trove
Kitty's War
Kitty's War
Kitty’s diaries and Janet Butler’s thoughtful narration allow us to see the war through the eyes of a young nurse transformed by what she witnesses – View on Trove

More: our recommended reading list on Trove

Through These Lines

2015

Friends & Partners

WWI Centenary