The Golden Age (play)
Encyclopedia
The Golden Age is a 1985 play written by Australian writer and playwright Louis Nowra
. It is based on the story that Nowra heard from an academic about "a strange group of people in the wilds of South-West Tasmania
just before World War II
".
, and his wealthy friend Peter, a geologist, depart on an endeavour of exploring the wilds of Tasmania. After becoming lost in the wilderness, they stumble upon a group of people who have been living in isolation since the mid-19th century.
Because of this social seclusion the tribe develops its own unique language and culture constructed upon the social conventions of Regency England. Upon returning to Hobart
, the pair informs Peter's father Dr William Archer of the group, and he arranges for their integration back into civilisation.
The group does not acclimatise into society well, and are seen as "an endorsement of Nazi beliefs" in relation to their mental incapabilities. As a result the tribe is imprisoned in an asylum, whilst in the meantime with the advent of World War II
, Peter and Francis are sent to Germany to fight. In the years that follow, one by one each member of the group dies, with the exception of Betsheb, leaving her suffering "profound depressions" and in an unfit condition to be released, so for another year she remains at New Norfolk Asylum
.
Francis is eventually sent back to Australia, and after being disillusioned and traumatised by the events of the war, as well as resentful of the Australian attitude towards our history and mistakes, he elects to live with Betsheb once more in the wilderness, taking her back home.
, and indeed all Aborigines and indigenous people. The play also addresses the basis, and the flaws, of the Australian culture.
Many of its themes are consistent with Tasmanian Gothic
literature and it is considered a good modern example of the genre
. It has been described as one of Nowra's great theatrical achievements.
Louis Nowra
Louis Nowra is an Australian writer, playwright, screenwriter and librettist.He is best known as one of Australia's leading playwrights...
. It is based on the story that Nowra heard from an academic about "a strange group of people in the wilds of South-West Tasmania
Tasmania
Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is south of the continent, separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania—the 26th largest island in the world—and the surrounding islands. The state has a population of 507,626 , of whom almost half reside in the greater Hobart...
just before World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
".
Plot summary
Francis Morris, a young, enthusiastic engineer from MelbourneMelbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
, and his wealthy friend Peter, a geologist, depart on an endeavour of exploring the wilds of Tasmania. After becoming lost in the wilderness, they stumble upon a group of people who have been living in isolation since the mid-19th century.
Because of this social seclusion the tribe develops its own unique language and culture constructed upon the social conventions of Regency England. Upon returning to Hobart
Hobart
Hobart is the state capital and most populous city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. Founded in 1804 as a penal colony,Hobart is Australia's second oldest capital city after Sydney. In 2009, the city had a greater area population of approximately 212,019. A resident of Hobart is known as...
, the pair informs Peter's father Dr William Archer of the group, and he arranges for their integration back into civilisation.
The group does not acclimatise into society well, and are seen as "an endorsement of Nazi beliefs" in relation to their mental incapabilities. As a result the tribe is imprisoned in an asylum, whilst in the meantime with the advent of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Peter and Francis are sent to Germany to fight. In the years that follow, one by one each member of the group dies, with the exception of Betsheb, leaving her suffering "profound depressions" and in an unfit condition to be released, so for another year she remains at New Norfolk Asylum
Royal Derwent Hospital
The Royal Derwent Hospital, was built to house mentally ill and mentally handicapped persons in 1827, soon after the separation of Van Diemens Land from New South Wales...
.
Francis is eventually sent back to Australia, and after being disillusioned and traumatised by the events of the war, as well as resentful of the Australian attitude towards our history and mistakes, he elects to live with Betsheb once more in the wilderness, taking her back home.
Themes
The play addresses many themes and ideas. The lost tribe has been seen as an allegory for the Tasmanian AboriginesTasmanian Aborigines
The Tasmanian Aborigines were the indigenous people of the island state of Tasmania, Australia. Before British colonisation in 1803, there were an estimated 3,000–15,000 Parlevar. A number of historians point to introduced disease as the major cause of the destruction of the full-blooded...
, and indeed all Aborigines and indigenous people. The play also addresses the basis, and the flaws, of the Australian culture.
Many of its themes are consistent with Tasmanian Gothic
Tasmanian Gothic
Tasmanian Gothic is an artistic and literary genre that merges the traditions of Gothic Literature with the history and natural features of Tasmania.-Origins:...
literature and it is considered a good modern example of the genre
Genre
Genre , Greek: genos, γένος) is the term for any category of literature or other forms of art or culture, e.g. music, and in general, any type of discourse, whether written or spoken, audial or visual, based on some set of stylistic criteria. Genres are formed by conventions that change over time...
. It has been described as one of Nowra's great theatrical achievements.
External links
- Teacher's Notes on Louis Nowra and The Golden Age