The Melbourne based Company, lead by Emilio Ela Rose, has been touring the show during 2014, and local residents were fortunate to have the opportunity of enjoying such a performance 'in their own back yard'.

'Ciao' combined dance, drama and audience participation in a show that was at times emotionally charged, extremely funny and certainly captivating.

Eight performers played a number of characters, and combined to give the appreciative crowd an insight into the challenges and joys facing newly arrived Italian immigrants into Australia in the 1950s.

The production was brought to Willaura by the Willaura and District Community Development Group, in conjunction with the Ararat Performing Arts Centre, Willaura/Lake Bolac Community Bank Branch and ACE Radio.

The Development Group added to the evening by creating an Italian Cafe themed atmosphere, and providing Italian nibbles, pizza and gelato.

Crowd feedback was most positive and many relished the opportunity of chatting to the cast members afterwards about the experiences revealed in the show.

Following on from the success of 2013's 'The Man They Call The Banjo', and noting the similar success of 'Ciao', the Development Group hopes that into the future more live productions can be brought to the district for the benefit of the local and wider community.