by Abhi Parasher
The memory of a grandparent reciting a story of their past, adding creative flare, or omitting critical details when needed, is one that exists with all of us. The veracity of their stories may be questionable; however, their significance remains critical to understanding where we are today.
Series Ten Pound Poms dives into the stories many Australians heard sitting at the feet of our elders. The series, starring Michelle Keegan, Warren Brown and Stephen Curry, follows the largest planned immigration of the 20th century when one million Britons were sold the dream of a modern way of life in Australia and were seduced by a fare of just £10.
Amongst the illustrious cast of this British/Australian co-production is Sarah Furnari, who plays the role of the Italian immigrant, Maria.
“I was so excited when I received the script because I realised, I haven’t really seen this story told on Australian television,” says the emerging Australian actress.
For Furnari, the role of Maria closely resembled that of her grandparents’ move from Italy to Australia.
“My nonno and nonna got married in Sicily. Shortly after, my nonno said ‘look, things are really rough here and it doesn’t look like they are going to change’,” shares Furnari. “So, he decided to give Australia a go. He came down here alone to get accommodation sorted because he didn’t want my nonna to live with him in the hostel housing.”
This immigration story of Furnari’s grandparents is one that is shared by many Italian families. At the end of the second world war, many Italian couples opted for immigration due to declining living conditions.
On researching for the role, Furnari says “it gave me a new appreciation of what they had left behind,” while also giving her a new insight into her grandparents that may resonate with many viewers who come from immigrant families.
“My nonna was a very anxious person and I think it made me understand why she was that way. Being separated from your husband for months at a time and then moving to a new country without knowing where or what that country was… I think I started to understand why she was so worried about everyone.”
Ten Pound Poms taps into the shared experience of many characters from diverse backgrounds. The characters represented are Australia’s cultural foundation. For many, they may have heard the stories from direct sources, however, for the younger generation, the show acts as a representation of their ancestral story.
“I don’t think my nonna understood the significance of what she had done, because to her it was just her life, so she didn’t really want to talk about it.” Speaking to the younger generation, Furnari says “ask your grandparents to tell you about their lives and to tell you their stories.”
Furnari ends on a final note of appreciation. “I am grateful for the privilege of being able to pursue a career in the arts because that’s simply not something my grandparents could have fathomed or financially afforded. Their hard work meant that I now have the opportunity, and the privilege of that is not lost on me.”
Ten Pound Poms is streaming now on Stan.
