Journey Of A Thousand Smiles

It’s no secret that Australians enjoy a good underdog tale with someone defying all odds and succeeding. Jessica Hackett is such a person. Her story is one fuelled by heroic activism, and through her deeds she units the Australian community in a politically charged and ongoing debate surrounding the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees. Milk Bar Mag was lucky enough to attend an intimate performance of Journey of a Thousand Smiles as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Journey of a Thousand Smiles tells the remarkable true story of Jessica Hackett, a young teacher who walked 710kms from Melbourne to Canberra – via the Hume Highway – to deliver a petition to the House of Representatives, calling on the government to welcome asylum seekers into our country. Hackett’s altruism touched the hearts of many who encountered her and her efforts secured over 17,000 hand-written signatures – an extraordinary number indeed.

Hackett’s 35-day plight had its challenges, all of which she documented through film and her blog. But ultimately, it was the overwhelming positive support from asylum seeker advocate groups and sympathetic locals that kept her smiling – her motivation embedded in knowing that she was doing the right thing.

The show itself is emotional, but its overarching message – delivered impeccably by Hackett – is quite uplifting. Hackett’s experiences show that most people are willing to help others in need, despite the negative messages in mainstream media, while the performance highlights the power of community.

Journey of a Thousand Smiles is an autobiographical comedy that uses a combination of audiovisuals, music and captivating storytelling to produce an inspiring and amusing performance. Despite the intimate setting, stand-out scenes include hilarious moments, such as when Hackett encounters a bull in a paddock and attempts to climb over an electric fence.

Hackett’s Fringe debut left all of us with smiles on our faces and a tear in our eyes.

Journey of a Thousand Smiles 
This show has concluded its run at Melbourne Fringe
melbournefringe.com.au/program?event/journey_of_a_thousand_smiles