'WAR HAS Always FASCINATED ME'

So much of world history has been lost in time, and what we do know has often only been learnt thanks to its preservation in various forms of art.

- Celia Whitley

Such is the premise of Rachel Griffiths' new docuseries, When The War Is Over, which investigates how creative expression and pop culture can help us better understand and heal from conflict.

Told across five episodes, the series examines everything from music and paintings to films, books and performance.

Wars analysed include World War I, the Vietnam and Afghanistan wars, the Changi aspect of World War II and the Australian wars. In an exclusive chat with New Idea, Rachel reveals she has “always had a fascination with war”.

“I've always been a bit of a nerd and I love art,” she shares with a laugh.