Groups tackle Ragtime issues at Rivergum

More than 55 young performers will take to the stage this month to tackle the big issues underpinning famed musical Ragtime.

Director Amy Bryans says the production by youth theatre group Waterdale won’t shy away from exploring issues such as race and gender inequality.

The musical is based on a novel by E. L. Doctorow and is set in the early 20th century.

Scenes jump between three main groups – African Americans, white ‘moneyed’ Americans, and Eastern European immigrants.

“It’s about how these three groups interact with each other,” Bryans said.

“Despite being set in America, they’re universal themes that still resonate clearly in Australia today.”

The Bundoora-based theatre group has created 150 costumes in four months and has been rehearsing tirelessly for the past two.

There will be six performances, between March 6 and 14, at the Rivergum Theatre at Parade College in Bundoora.

To book tickets, visit www.trybooking.com and search for Ragtime in Buy Tickets.