Picture: SANDRA MORELLO
THE Mount Gambier and district community has been summonsed to appear at the city’s Old Courthouse for what promises to be a glimpse of yesteryear in legal drama.
The Mount Gambier National Trust will stage a theatre-style trial in the historic building and need a variety of actors to make it come to life.
Millicent National Trust and the Mount Gambier Theatre Group have joined forces with the National Trust for the highly anticipated theatrical event.
Coinciding with Millicent Museum’s “Murder at the Museum”, Mount Gambier National Trust chair Nathan Woodruff has called for acting enthusiasts and budding performers to come forward.
“Ever wanted to be judge and jury or explore the roles in the courtroom – here is your chance to do just that in a fun and thrilling way,” Mr Woodruff said.
“We are putting out this open casting call for anyone interested in participating.”
Whether you want to play a judge, an eccentric witness or a member of the jury, Mr Woodruff said there was now an opportunity to make that happen.
Specific roles up for grabs include judge, crown counsel, defence counsel, tipstaff and sheriff.
“For those with the dramatic flair more creativity can be used in roles such as witnesses or the gossip in the jury,” Mr Woodruff said.
For people who did not want a speaking role, he said a person was also needed for the role of court recorder.
“This would be a great way to release your inner mime and own the role,” Mr Woodruff said.
A preliminary casting session will be held the Old Courthouse on Sunday at 7pm where community interest in the event and specific roles will be canvassed.
A landmark heritage building in Mount Gambier, the Old Mount Gambier Courthouse first opened in 1865.
The Bay Road courthouse served as the district court until new premises was constructed across the road in 1974-75.
The building consists of a large central court room with four auxiliary offices and a cell.
Each room has direct access to the courtroom, but no access to each other.
The rooms are mostly furnished with original furniture.
