Year 7 – Refugee Diaries

Thomas Bryant

Year 7 English classes travelled to the Seymour Centre to view the play ‘Refugee Diaries’. This play has enlightened my views on the struggles that refugees face and their battle to overcome them. The actors shared their ordeals and the traumatic journeys they endured fleeing from war, violence, conflict and religious persecution. Each young member of the cast shared their stories, some being humorous and heartwarming and others were more upsetting.

Attending this Treehouse production has given me more insight on the importance of diversity and inclusion, as well as the resilience to the actors and their families. The refugees lacked necessary resources like food, water, education, health care and safety that we often take for granted. Regardless of the overwhelming challenges the young members of the cast overcame adversity. This was shown in the way the actors were able to not only survive but thrive in their new environment.

In conclusion, this play has truly impacted my life and broadened my perspective on the struggles of refugees. The stories that were told have taught me not to be prejudiced as we don’t know what situations they have been in prior to arriving in Australia. The ‘Refugee Diaries’ has also made me reflect on the media and how they depict asylum seekers in a negative light and sometimes portray them as threats to our country. Ultimately the production makes us realise that Australia is truly the lucky country as people will risk everything including their lives to come here.