AFTER lying dormant for several decades, the words of Border residents are being brought back to life. 

The group behind Letters from the Border have sifted through old editions of The Border Mail — many of which were locked away in cupboards and filing cabinets for safe storage — and turned the words into a living, breathing live performance. 

As the title would suggest, the HotHouse Theatre show focuses on letters to the editor sent to the newspaper stretching back more than 100 years. 

The show debuted at the Butter Factory Theatre last night and will run until November 29. 

The letters are a snapshot of the region’s history, reflecting the thoughts of everyday locals on the issues of the day.

Artistic director Jon Halpin said before the internet, letters to the editor were one of the only ways for people to be heard publicly. 

“The most interesting thing I found was that in 1919 when the Spanish Flu broke out in Melbourne and started spreading through Victoria, they set up a camp,” Halpin said. 

“I’m not sure where it was set up, but if you were in Albury you could head in to Wodonga with no problems. 

“But if you wanted to come back you had to spend four days in a quarantine camp to make sure you weren’t a carrier. 

“There were a lot of complaints from letter writers saying it was inhumane and that the conditions were dreadful, but there were also other people saying it was wonderful and that they’d had a wonderful break. 

“There must have been no other time where the communities of Albury and Wodonga were more divided.

“We’ve been able to put that into the show.” 

The words, which have been chosen after reading more than 3000 letters to the editor, are acted out by 14 young performers. 

The letters are more or less presented as they were written with only minor changes, Halpin said. 

Many of the letters centred on complaints, so the producers had to dig out letters which gave an alternate view. 

“The key thing has been finding a counter point to the arguments to create a dramatic tension,” he said. 

“If everyone is stating the same point of view, there’s nothing for anyone to consider and make a decision about. 

“But we do have these other sections called interludes with funny or poignant letters that just work in isolation where someone just steps forward and reads out the letter. 

“For most of the show we bulk things together in particular times or issues.”

Border Mail reader Alan Lappin knows the importance of the letters to the editor section, having been a prolific letter writer for the past decade. 

Mr Lappin went to university at age 55 in a bid to become more informed for his letter writing ahead of a tilt at politics in 2010. 

He sends two to three letters into the newspaper each week and has one published once every two to three weeks. 

“I think it’s a brilliant public forum for people to speak out and have a say on local and broader issues,” he said. 

“The great thing about it is it’s free. 

“It gives everyone an equal opportunity to voice an opinion out there into the public. 

“I think it’s a fantastic service.” 

Mr Lappin began writing letters to the editor with concerns over social issues. 

“I guess the greater motivation is my deep concerns for children,” he said. 

“I have a vested interest in my own kids and grandchildren. 

“I feel the world isn’t doing the right thing by young people.” 

Editor of The Border Mail Di Thomas said debate was often fierce within the section. 

“For decades the letters to the editor columns of The Border Mail have been vitally important in allowing readers to express their point of view on issues,” she said. 

“Whether it’s been the debate over Albury’s internal or external freeway; the perceived decline in public services such as rail and health; or the perception of the performance of individual political candidates, the letters page is a barometer of public thinking.

“At times that debate can be heated and overstep the boundaries of appropriate fair opinion, standards that have been challenged with the rise of social media and web commentary.

“The very best letters are respectful, succinct and carefully crafted to get to their point, leaving readers in no doubt of the writer’s view.”

Past editions of The Border Mail are stored in a variety of formats and locations, from hard copy to a film format called microfiche. 

More than 700 front pages spanning several decades and hard-copy editions adorn the set of Letters from the Border at the Butter Factory Theatre. 

Former Albury resident Sophie Woodward designed the set and costumes, which presented a few challenges. 

The papers had to be fire-proofed to protect against the heat coming from the light rig above the stage. 

Director Travis Dowling said the interest in the show had been “amazing”. 

“I think people’s opinions need to be voiced and our community needs to deal with them and respond to them,” he said. 

“When there’s a discourse about these issues, that’s how we grow as a society.” 

For more information on Letters from the Border call 02 6021 7433 or visit hothousetheatre.com.au