Documentary Delves into Australian War Memorial's Major Renovations
A new SBS documentary titled A New Anzac provides an exclusive look inside the extensive renovations underway at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Scheduled to air at 8.30pm on Friday, the series shifts focus from soldiers to the memorial itself, highlighting the ambitious project to expand gallery space for modern conflicts.
The renovations include a groundbreaking plan to lift the existing building several metres by going underground and modifying its supports. This engineering feat has captivated viewers, with many expressing surprise at the possibility of elevating such a structure. The expansion will also incorporate displays dedicated to peacekeepers, acknowledging their sacrifices despite not being in traditional warfare.
Legal Battles That Shaped Australia Featured in ABC Series
Another compelling documentary, Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia, airs on the ABC at 8.40pm on Tuesday. This inventive series examines landmark legal decisions that have profoundly impacted the nation, including cases on Mabo, gay marriage, asylum seekers, and the right to vote.
The first episode focuses on gay marriage, tracing its origins to a legal challenge against Tasmanian legislation that criminalised homosexuality with penalties of up to 21 years in prison. Activists Rodney Croome and Nick Toonen took bold steps by confessing to consensual sex at a police station to challenge the law. Despite a United Nations directive deeming the law a privacy violation, it took three years and a High Court challenge for repeal, with some government members still defending their opposition.
Satirical Tech Drama The Audacity Debuts on SBS
On Wednesday at 9.30pm, SBS premieres The Audacity, a satire set in Silicon Valley that has drawn comparisons to Succession due to creator Jonathan Glatzer's involvement. However, this series stands on its own as a sharp critique of tech culture, centred on CEO Duncan Park, who seeks validation as a genius while attending therapy with Dr JoAnne Felder.
The therapist treats numerous Silicon Valley figures, gathering insider gossip that influences stock market trades. When Duncan discovers this, he engages in blackmail to protect his company's share price, highlighting a world where self-interest prevails. The show features deeply flawed characters, making for effective and engaging satire.
These programs offer diverse insights into Australian history, legal evolution, and contemporary tech satire, showcasing the depth of documentary and drama programming available this week.
