Show of the Week: While The Men Are Away

While The Men Are Away

This irreverent Australian dramedy is set during World War II and follows the experiences of women who suddenly find themselves in control having previously been excluded from power.

The 8 x 30-minute series is set against the dark and tragic backdrop of war, but offers humour and humanity as it tracks the attempts of a farmer’s wife named Frankie (Michela de Rossi) to save the struggling business.

Assisted by local indigenous farmhand Kathleen, a ‘certified coward’ named Robert and two recruits of the Women’s Land Army, the five individuals embark on a heady crash course in race relations, rural politics, spirituality, sex, queerness, personal growth – and farming.

“With the men away at a war overseas, on the home front it was a somewhat new period for women, migrants, Aboriginal people and all those who fell outside the status quo,” explains Lisa Shaunessy, partner and producer at Arcadia, who produced the show for Australia’s SBS.

The show was conceived by Alexandra Burke, who grew up on a farm herself and found inspiration after “reading between the lines of interviews” with women from the time, as Shaunessy explains.

“With the formation of Women’s Land Armies in many of the Allied countries during World War II, women had an opportunity to throw off their aprons, pull on pants, work the land, take in the fresh country air and operate heavy machinery.

“For many women their experiences working with the Land Army were entirely life changing, and we really wanted to show why. For a moment in time not just the women, but all of those left behind, found themselves holding the reins of power, which they never had before.”

To reflect the era in which it was set, art and costume departments scoured Australia for authentic furniture, crockery, clothing and shoes to accurately reflect the colour and look of the time.

“There are also some incredible regional towns in Australia, that have been restored lovingly, like Milthorpe, where we shot the exterior town scenes,” says Shaunessy. “It still required a lot of heavy lifting from the art department to dress the street scenes, but we are all so thrilled to bring this gorgeous village to the screen.”

The story also reflects the “powerful emotional revelations” of each character, triggered by them all finding their ‘tribe’ and having permission to be themselves.

“Seeing this crew claim their basic human rights and find love and family with each other is what will attract people to this story and keep them hooked throughout the series,” says Shaunessy.

With universal themes but offering a distinctly local feel, Red Arrow’s VP, scripted acquisitions and coproductions, Rodrigo Herrera Ibarguengoytia, says that the show will appeal to global audiences including younger viewers.

“Despite being set against the dark backdrop of war, it’s an irreverent and witty revisionist period dramedy that put its focus on the emotional journey of the characters, and always with humour,” he adds.

“It tackles issues specific to the era, but through a modern lens; putting everything into perspective and showing how relevant those struggles still are, and how much they resonate with contemporary discussions.

“It’s not afraid to push boundaries, which we think will appeal to streamers and also linear broadcasters keen to capture a younger audience.”

Producer: Arcadia
Distributor: Red Arrow Studios International
Broadcaster: SBS (Australia)
Logline: An irreverent, wry, and witty dramedy set in Australia during World War II that views the experience through the eyes of women left behind on the home front who suddenly find themselves running the show after being excluded from power.