Down Under (play)
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Anne Brooksbank
| Down Under | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Bob Ellis Anne Brooksbank |
| Directed by | Pete Thompson |
| Music by | Patrick Flynn |
| Date premiered | September 4, 1975 [1] |
| Place premiered | Stables Theatre, Sydney |
| Original language | English |
| Subject | Australian life |
| Genre | comedy |
| Setting | North Shore of Sydney, Australia, February 1974 |
Down Under is a 1975 Australian play by Bob Ellis and Anne Brooksbank.
In 1974 a couple, Marg and Joe, return to Australia from overseas and reunite with their old friends.
Production History
The original production had a cast that included Carmen Duncan and Bill Hunter.[2][3][4]
Towards the end of the play's run at the Nimrod, Ellis and Brooksbank bought the theatre.[5] Ellis later said they bought it when Down Under was "under threat of eviction".[6]
The play was published by Currency Press.[7]
Reception
The Sydney Morning Herald wrote "the play is about pseudo-intellectualism, disillusion, contemporary Aussie images and - as it subtitles itself - the Whitlam age... a well crafted, witty play."[8]
The Sunday Herald critic said "this may be the best and bitchiest play since Don's Party."[9]
The Bulletin said the writers "have skilfully constructed a good solid three-acter which accurately and entertainingly reflects -the times, yet in its emotional sterility goes no further."[10]
