1790 a tale not often told

1790 a tale not often told
By Robert Thomson. Lend Lease Theatre Darling Harbour. Thurs 13 to Sat 15 November 2014

Black and white in colour

This is a tale of the relationship forged between Arthur Phillip, Governor of the colony of New South Wales, and Bennelong, a member of the local Gadigal people, during the first three years of the settlement of Australian. This was likely the first significant relationship between a white European and an Australian aboriginal and so is of great significance. This important tale could illuminate much of what followed between these races over the next 225 years. In fact, the writer Robert Thomson expressed the hope that the way this play was performed collaboratively on stage today might be the way white and black Australians could co-exist harmoniously in our nation in the future. A worthy vision.

This story might have been told as an essay, a novel, a pageant, a radio play, a film or theatre. To craft such a tale it is necessary to study the diaries, letters and despatches of those involved and, like all historians, lay down a narrative, and, like all writers of stories, create dialogue and movement to express the thoughts of the characters and further the plot. The writer has chosen to tell his story through a large theatre production, which is a challenge and may be why this play does not fully realise the drama inherent in this moment of history. The play runs around two hours and has scores of scenes and a cast of nineteen actors. This makes 1790 a difficult play to stage, requiring capable and innovative direction, together with creative and effective production, sound and lighting design. A wide featureless stage, bright lights, little music and few sound effects marred this production. The gaps were never closed between actors traipsing on and off stage, which created many voids in the narrative, depleting the tension and drama. And, as often happens with large casts in independent theatre, performances were delivered at varying levels of quality. Outstanding performances were delivered by Andrew Steel (Governor Phillip), Calib James and Dudley Levell.

This play had a short season at the Lend Lease Theatre and given its historic significance deserves future seasons.

Stephen Carnell

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