As children they were evacuated from a war zone. Fifty years on, Barton and Andy are still trying to find out who they are. Precious Cargo is a powerful, timely new show about the life-long impact of the Vietnam War, by Australian writer-performer Barton Williams (Huynh van Cuong) and Hebridean composer Andy Yearley (Nguyen Tang). Drawing on interviews with Operation Babylift adoptees from across the world, it is a story about the chaos of conflict, childhood trauma, racism and a generation running out of time to find lost families. Directed by Fringe First winner Laura Cameron-Lewis.

A show we at Corr Blimey are looking forward to seeing, we were thrilled to have a chat with Barton Williams about Precious Cargo, ahead of its run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

---

Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show is?

Precious Cargo is a compelling personal look into the lives of Vietnamese orphans who have been displaced to various parts of the world. It shares the trials and tribulations of being raised by new adoptive families in new environments outside of war-torn Vietnam.

Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?

We have a Scotland–based (Isle of Lewis) theatre production company called sruth-mara – Andrew Eaton Lewis (Producer) & Laura Cameron Lewis (Director) – who worked with me on developing my original script that was first shared in 2021 at the London Vaults Festival as a staged reading. In addition to this, fellow Vietnamese War orphan Andy Yearley (professional musician), who grew up in the Outer Hebrides, came on board and composed the music for the show as well as sharing his story. Finally Robbie Thomson joined to do production design, completing the creative team and allowing audiences to truly experience a compelling, intimate and original theatre experience.

---

How does it feel coming to the Fringe?

I’m super excited to be bringing a new piece of theatre to the Edinburgh Fringe and to be sharing it in an illustrious, intimate venue such as Summerhall.

There are over 3,000 shows at the Fringe. So, what sets your show apart?

This is a humanitarian story on so many levels, that has layers of history, intimacy, emotion and storytelling not seen before.

---

Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?

An appreciation that as humans we have two ears and one mouth and we must acknowledge that more. Sometimes what we see is not what reality is.

It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?

I plan to see as many shows as I can in amongst my daily routine of performing.  I also hope to experience the wonderful energy and sights of Edinburgh during my short time there.

---

---

Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’