Discover the rich theatrical heritage of Australia through compelling books about legendary playwrights, groundbreaking productions, and the evolution of Australian drama from colonial times to contemporary stages. These essential reads explore iconic figures like David Williamson and Ray Lawler, celebrated venues like the Sydney Opera House, and the unique voices that have shaped Australian theatre culture. Perfect for drama students, theatre enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Australia's vibrant performing arts legacy.
Picture this: a sweltering Queensland summer in 1955, cane cutters downing beers in a Carlton terrace house, waiting for their annual tradition to unfold. Ray Lawler captured this moment forever in "Summer of the Seventeenth Doll", and with it, Australian theatre finally found its authentic voice. No more British accents pretending to be locals, no more imported sensibilities masquerading as our own.
This breakthrough moment reverberates through our theatrical history, and these eight books chart that journey from colonial mimicry to cultural confidence. "The Currency Companion to Music and Dance in Australia" by John Whiteoak and Aline Scott-Maxwell provides the grand sweep, documenting performing arts from 1788 to the present across the entire continent. It's encyclopaedic in scope, yet surprisingly readable, acknowledging the cultural diversity that shapes our stages.
Lawler's influence extends beyond that single revolutionary play. "The Doll Trilogy" reveals how he revisited his characters decades later, showing them aged and changed, wrestling with nostalgia and regret. It's a masterclass in dramatic evolution, proving that Australian stories deserve the same epic treatment as any Greek tragedy.
David Williamson picked up Lawler's baton and ran straight into the suburbs. "Don's Party" turns election night 1969 into a savage dissection of middle-class pretensions, while "The Removalists" exposes the violence lurking beneath mateship's veneer. Williamson's genius lies in making us laugh before showing us exactly what we're laughing at.
Dorothy Hewett took a different path entirely. "The Chapel Perilous" follows Sally Banner's quest for artistic freedom through a theatrical landscape that's part cabaret, part epic poem. Hewett refused to choose between lyricism and politics, creating a uniquely Australian form of poetic drama that influenced generations of playwrights.
For understanding how all these pieces fit together, Julian Meyrick's "Australian Theatre after the New Wave" examines three groundbreaking companies that emerged in the 1970s and 80s. His analysis reveals how government funding and artistic vision collided, sometimes productively, sometimes disastrously.
The inclusion of Norman Lindsay's "The Magic Pudding" might seem odd amongst these dramatic works, but Lindsay's irreverent humour and distinctive visual style influenced theatrical designers and directors who sought a uniquely Australian aesthetic beyond eucalypts and Akubras.
Start with "Summer of the Seventeenth Doll" if you want to understand where modern Australian theatre began. Move to Williamson for the suburban revolution, then Hewett for the poetic rebellion. Use the Currency Companion as your reference point throughout, and let Meyrick explain how it all connects. Together, these books reveal a theatrical tradition that's rowdy, reflective, and utterly our own.

John and Scott-Maxwell, Aline Whiteoak

Julian Meyrick

Ray Lawler

Norman Lindsay

Ray Lawler

David Williamson

David Williamson

Dorothy Hewett
Explore powerful theatrical works that delve into the complexities of Australian family life, where different generations clash over values, traditions, and changing social landscapes. These compelling dramas capture the authentic voices of Australian playwrights examining intergenerational conflict, cultural identity, and the evolving nature of family bonds in contemporary Australia. Perfect for readers seeking emotionally resonant theatre that reflects the unique challenges facing Australian families today.
Discover the power of dramatic literature with this curated collection of essential plays and theatre works that have shaped the stage for centuries. From Shakespeare's timeless tragedies to contemporary Australian playwrights, these books offer readers intimate access to stories meant to be performed, complete with rich character development and compelling dialogue. Perfect for theatre enthusiasts, students, or anyone wanting to experience the intensity and emotional depth that only dramatic literature can provide.
Discover the hilarious chaos behind the curtain with these entertaining books that explore the dramatic world of theatre through a comedic lens. From backstage mishaps to eccentric directors and prima donna performers, these drama books celebrate the absurdity and passion of theatrical life. Perfect for theatre lovers who enjoy both the craft of drama and the lighter side of show business.
Perfect for young children just starting to read independently, this collection features simple stories about summer fun Down Under. From building sandcastles and learning to swim to understanding sun safety and beach rules, these early reader books combine engaging storylines with important seasonal lessons. Ideal for keeping beginning readers engaged during the long Australian summer holidays while building both literacy skills and safety awareness.
Perfect for young readers ready to tackle longer stories independently, these chapter books capture the excitement and freedom of Australian school holidays. From coastal camping trips to outback explorations, these engaging stories celebrate the unique adventures that define an Australian childhood summer. Ideal for keeping confident early readers engaged during the long summer break with relatable characters and familiar settings.