About:
Michael Veitch's life-long obsession with the aircraft of the Second World War led him to conclude that every single person who flew, or flew in them has at least one extraordinary story to tell. With most of these veterans in their eighties, he knew that it was a matter of urgency to find them now, before their personal stories disappear for ever.
So, over the course of a year, Veitch interviewed over 50 former aircrew across Australia, many of whom had never spoken about their experiences before, even to their families. The result is Flak - a collection of vivid, unforgettable stories from RAAF veterans about their experiences of combat in World War II. It is also an account of the strange, sometimes obsessive journey of the author himself, as he explores a passion held since childhood.
From bomber pilots to fighter aces, from rear gunners to bomb aimers, from stories of death and fear to tales of humour and comradeship, Michael has helped unearth the extraordinary stories of ordinary men living and fighting in extraordinary times.
About Michael:
Michael Veitch is a multi-talented writer, performer, presenter and comedian. He has an academic background in history, but made his name as part of the ABC's cult hit The D Generation, followed by Fast Forward, Full Frontal and more. He is a regular guest presenter and interviewer on ABC morning radio.
Michael Veitch
Touring productions include: The Australian premiere of The Housekeeper by James Prideaux, starring Peter Moon and Evelyn Krape (2011, 2012); the world premiere of The Peppercorn Tree by Alison Campbell Rate, starring Kevin Harrington and Alan Hopgood (2010); a 40 venue National tour of Dirty Dusting by Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood, starring Joan Sydney, Anne Phelan, Maggie King and Brett Whittingham (2010), a Victorian tour of Dirty Dusting starring Joan Sydney, Maggie King, David Tredinnick and Evelyn Krape. In 2012 Ellis Productions staged I’m dreaming of a Karralyka Christmas with former members of the Melbourne Welsh Male Choir. In 2008 and 2009 Ellis Productions and the Whitehorse Centre collaborated on the Australian Premiere of The Queen of Bingo by Jeanne Michel and Phyllis Murphy and starring Evelyn Krape and Kelly Nash. Helen Ellis, the company founder, co-produced the National, Playing Australia funded, tour of An Audience with Bud Tingwell (2006); the Victorian Tour of the Noel Coward inspired Marvellous Party with Amanda Muggleton and Denis Olsen AM (2006); and the 2007 Vic Arts funded, touring production of Visiting Mr. Green by Jeff Baron, starring Alan Hopgood AM and David Tredinnick.
Helen Ellis
Executive Producer / Director
Michael has been a freelance Production Manager, Stage Manager and Lighting Designer for over a decade throughout Australia and New Zealand. Michael has been the Technical Manger for Moving Light Productions as well as being Production Assistant for Southern Star Emenol and the Entertainment Store.
Michael’s Technical Management experience encompasses a wide range of shows including “Hair” (Melbourne), “2008 Victorian State School’s Spectacular”, “Dirty Dusting” (Australian Tour), 1st Asia Pacific “Outgames” Opening Ceremony, Doris Day – more than the girl next door” (Australian Tour) and “Zana Don’t” (Melbourne), “La Cage Aux Folles” (Melbourne), “The Haunting of Daniel Gartrell” (Australian Tour). His lighting credits include “High School Musical” – Encore Theatre Company, “Parade” – St Josephs College and was the Head of Lighting for “Slava’s Snow Show” (Melbourne) and Carrie Fisher’s “Wishful Drinking” (Melbourne).
Lighting Designer
Michael Brasser
