The Island of Forgotten Dreams
In The Island of Forgotten Dreams, Lydia Carter, a disillusioned historian, embarks on a journey to a remote island shrouded in myth and legend. Drawn by an ancient mystery, she discovers a land where reality twists and ancient forces linger. As Lydia delves deeper into the island's secrets, she encounters eerie symbols, a chilling mirror of truth, and a dark presence that seems to feed on fear and despair. The island, alive with malevolent energy, reveals a haunting past and a sinister force that binds the souls of those who seek its hidden knowledge. With each step, Lydia faces the island's relentless grip, battling her own fears and the spectral whispers of its long-forgotten inhabitants. The Island of Forgotten Dreams is a gripping tale of terror and discovery, where the boundary between reality and nightmare blurs, and escaping the island's dark embrace becomes a matter of survival.
Whispers in the Canyon
In the hauntingly beautiful town of Canyon Ridge, an ancient power stirs beneath the surface, threatening to engulf everything in darkness. Emma Dawson, a determined young journalist, returns to her childhood home seeking solace, only to find herself entangled in a web of mystery and malevolence. When a series of unexplained events lead her to uncover a forgotten ritual and a cryptic prophecy, Emma, along with local residents Tom and Mike, must confront an otherworldly force that has lain dormant for centuries. As they delve into the canyon's secrets, they discover that the darkness is more than a mere legend-it's a living entity with the power to tear the veil between worlds. With the town teetering on the brink of destruction, Emma and her allies must unravel the canyon's mysteries before the sinister force claims them all. "Whispers in the Canyon" is a gripping tale of suspense and supernatural terror.
Sailing Toward Forever
Sailing Toward Forever is a haunting literary fiction novel that follows the perilous journey of the yacht The Odyssey and its crew as they navigate the treacherous waters of a mysterious curse. When the yacht encounters a dense, supernatural fog, the crew-Alex, Sara, and Jonah-find themselves trapped in a nightmarish reality where their darkest fears manifest. As they uncover an ancient curse linked to the yacht's previous occupants, they are drawn into a suspenseful battle against an unseen, malevolent force. With the boundary between reality and the supernatural blurring, the crew must confront their deepest fears and unravel the mysteries that bind them to this cursed voyage. With each chapter, *Sailing Toward Forever* delves into themes of isolation, dread, and the quest for survival, building to a chilling climax that explores the nature of fear and the strength of the human spirit.
Prima Facie
Top criminal lawyer Tessa believes in the law, she believes in the system, she believes in playing by the rules. If you play by the rules, justice will be served. She has not only staked her career on these principles, she has placed her very faith in them. But when the tables are turned and Tessa has to take the witness stand, she is forced to confront the shortcomings of the legal system and its patriarchal foundations of justice.In the multi-award-winning Prima Facie, Suzie Miller delivers a one-woman tour de force - by turns wryly amusing and powerfully shocking - that exposes the failings of a system seemingly designed to further brutalise women who have experienced sexual assault, rape or harassment. For Tessa, as for so many women, truth turns out to be less about reality and more about how you play the game. And in this court, nobody wins.
Shakespeare and Cultural Appropriation
Shakespeare and Cultural Appropriation pushes back against two intertwined binaries: the idea that appropriation can only be either theft or gift, and the idea that cultural appropriation should be narrowly defined as an appropriative contest between a hegemonic and marginalized power.
The Rise and Rise of a Fourth Reich
The Rise & Rise of a Fourth Reich is a chilling exploration of the resurgence of National Socialist ideologies in the 20th and 21st centuries.The author delves into the dark history of the First, Second, and Third Reichs, uncovering the corruption, violence, and powerful influences that continue to shape global politics today.What You'll Discover in This Book: The parallels between Nazi ideology and modern political movements in Europe and America.A detailed investigation into the plans to dismantle society, provoke wars, and curtail individual freedoms.Compelling evidence supporting the author's claim that a Fourth Reich is emerging in America.Historical accounts of the First, Second, and Third Reichs and their lasting impact.A thought-provoking analysis of the forces threatening democracy and freedom today.The Rise & Rise of a Fourth Reich is a must-read for anyone interested in political history, conspiracy theories, or the ongoing struggle for democracy. This book will challenge your understanding of modern geopolitics and leave you questioning the forces shaping our world.Available now on Amazon - Get your copy today!
Tones
Some stereotypes have an element of truth. A presented set of rules but in the end you get to choose. What happens if you're not Black enough for the ends, but too Black for the rest of the world? Gerel Falconer's Tones follows the pivotal moments of lead character Jerome, aka The Professor, and his upbringing from childhood to his departure from university. As he battles with his identity we go on a journey through the depths of Black-British culture, class, and belonging. Tones combines the gritty underground sounds of Hip-Hop, Grime and Drill with the melodrama of opera to tell the story of a treacherous path to self-discovery. The original production was presented by award-winning Wound Up Theatre. From writer and performer Gerel Falconer, winner of Best Book and Lyrics at the Black British Theatre Awards 2023 and nominee for The Stage Debut Awards 2023, Tones is a riveting exploration of the Black experience and the Mixed experience. This edition was published to coincide with the run at Summerhall's Roundabout, at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2024.
Alexander and Three Small Plays
Edward John Moreton Drax Plunkett, 18th Baron of Dunsany (1878-1957) was an Anglo-Irish writer and dramatist, notable for his fantasy work published under the name Lord Dunsany. His works include hundreds of published short stories, as well as successful plays, novels, and essays. This volume contains the plays "Alexander," "The Old King's Tale," "The Evil Kettle," and "The Amusements of Khan Kharuda."
Don Parties On
Forty years ago, a young playwright muscled his way onto the scene with a clutch of time-defining plays, including Don's Party. With this sequel, David Williamson celebrates four decades of telling the tribe their story. It's 21 August 2010, the night of yet another Federal election and, of course, yet another election night party at Don's place. Over the decades, as he and his friends watched governments come and go, they have also closely followed the incoming results from each other's lives: the tallies of luck and misfortune, the unexpected swings for and against. And through it all, the lesson that this crowd of superannuated baby boomers never seemed to learn is that politics and strong personalities should never be mixed with alcohol.
Hotel Sorrento
Hilary lives in seaside Sorrento with her father and sixteen-year-old son; Pippa is visiting from New York and Meg returns from England with her English husband. Three sisters, reunited after ten years in different worlds, again feel the constraints of family life. It is Meg's semi-autobiographical novel, recently short-listed for the Booker prize, which overshadows their homecoming. 1991 AWGIE Award ' Stage Award 1990 NSW Premier's Literary Award ' Play Award 1990 Green Room Award ' Best Play
Scarlett O'Hara at the Crimson Parrot and Let The Sunshine
Scarlett O'Hara at the Crimson Parrot: Scarlett is a 36-year-old waitress who lives with her mother, has no boyfriend, and spends too much time watching old romantic movies. In her working hours she re-runs the scenes from the films with her co-worker Gordon, the gay kitchen hand in the restaurant. As Scarlett drifts deeper into her reveries of Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Errol Flynn and Humphrey Bogart, she takes her place as the heroine in each of their movies. Let the Sunshine: What happens when people of widely different political views are forced to co-exist? Toby, a maker of hard-hitting documentaries, flees Sydney with his wife after a blow up with the press. He arrives at his old childhood haven only to find the simple town has been transformed into a playground for the wealthy and his old friend has become married to a wealthy property developer. Add the couples' two incompatible offspring, a struggling musician and a ruthless corporate lawyer, and the scene is set for a vintage Williamson comedy.
The Seed
Meet Rose Maloney. Her dad Danny went to Vietnam. Her grandfather Brian is ex-IRA. Today is their collective birthday. From this intimate reunion, The Seed opens itself up over and over again until a silent family battle becomes a national story about finding new life amongst the rubble of old wars. This play has a very special kind of honesty and humour to it which sorts the great lies we buy into from the reality we live through.A compelling, tightly woven and thrilling exploration of a very real family and the repercussions of war.
Myth, Propaganda and Disaster in Nazi Germany and Contemporary America and It Just Stopped
A savage comedy of manners, It Just Stopped explores our relationship to art, globalisation, death, technology, America, Campari, cardboard boxes and slavery. Sewell's play is funny and shocking in turn. It holds the mirror up to the things we value today and asks the questions: what will we value the day the world just stops, and what would we be willing to trade for our own survival?Written with searing passion and dazzling momentum, Myth, Propaganda and Disaster in Nazi Germany and Contemporary America reverberates with the aftershocks of September 11. With compelling drive and theatrical daring, we are swept from cocktails at the Guggenheim to the hungry vacuum of Ground Zero. Stephen Sewell demands answers to some of the most urgent questions of our times. Where is the line between patriotism and nationalism? What happens when the Land of the Free makes such uncompromising statements as: 'You're either with us or against us'?
Mr Bailey's Minder
Leo Bailey is one of Australia's greatest living artists, whose genius battles to survive the effects of alcohol, cynicism and self-loathing. His daughter Margo, the only one of Leo's many children prepared to help, finds a willing but surly live-in-minder, the ex-con Therese. Added to the dysfunctional duo is the handyman Karl who has been given the task of removing a valuable mural but who keeps returning with offers of practical friendship. Mr Bailey's Minder is a funny and deeply moving play about friendship, ego, art and the secret longing for a better life.
Opening a Fuzzwollop's Frame of Mind
A delightfully funny absurdist play that explores the nature of humanity and our fear of the unknown.
The Old Card Part I A Few Elements
The Old Card part 1 is a novel written by Roland Pertwee in 1919. The story revolves around the life of a wealthy businessman, John Brent, who is known for his love of collecting antique playing cards. The protagonist is a man of great wealth, but he is also a man of great loneliness, having lost his wife and children in a tragic accident. One day, John Brent comes across a rare and valuable card that he has been searching for his entire life. The card is in the possession of a young woman named Betty Fairfax, who is unaware of its value. John Brent sees an opportunity to acquire the card and begins to court Betty, hoping to win her heart and the card. As the story progresses, John Brent becomes increasingly obsessed with the card and his desire to possess it. He begins to neglect his business and his health, and his relationships with those around him suffer. The Old Card is a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and the importance of valuing human connections over material possessions. It is a timeless story that explores themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness. This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
Birthrights and Soulmates
Birthrights is a bittersweet play about motherhood. At 29, Helen has a vital operation that stops her from having what she desperately wants: a child. Her younger sister Claudia gives her a wonderful gift when she bears a child for her sister as a surrogate. But what happens when, years later, Claudia discovers that she and her husband Martin cannot conceive and that Kelly, the child she gave to her sister, is the only baby she will ever bear? In Soulmates, Williamson applies his merciless humour to the literary world in a play about the slippery business of books, authors, and the readers who love them both. Commerce competes with art; serious writing with popular writing. Set in Melbourne and New York, this is a tale of revenge in which best-selling expatriate author Katie Best engineers a scheme to bring her most craven critic Danny O'Loughlin undone.
Two Brothers
The Benedict brothers are on opposite sides of the political divide. Eggs is the Minister for Home Security and prime minister-in-waiting. Tom is a refugee advocate and the head of a charitable foundation. The brothers have a relationship based on affection and respect. And in the jumble of family life they have managed to accommodate their ideological differences. But then an Indonesian fishing boat packed with refugees goes down in the Indian Ocean on Christmas Day. Two hundred and fifty people drown, and one man survives. Two Brothers is a story about what happens when two powerful, passionate and socially committed brothers encounter deadly conflict.
Lockie Leonard, Human Torpedo
Lockie Leonard has arrived in town, but no-one wants to know the city boy whose dad's the new cop. Things change when he starts going out with Vicki Streeton, the girl of his dreams. But the course of true love is not inclined to run smoothly.Adapted from Tim Winton's novel of the same name.
The Old Card Part II And A Rough Compound
The Old Card part II is a novel written by Roland Pertwee in 1919. The story revolves around the life of a wealthy businessman, John Brent, who is known for his love of collecting antique playing cards. The protagonist is a man of great wealth, but he is also a man of great loneliness, having lost his wife and children in a tragic accident. One day, John Brent comes across a rare and valuable card that he has been searching for his entire life. The card is in the possession of a young woman named Betty Fairfax, who is unaware of its value. John Brent sees an opportunity to acquire the card and begins to court Betty, hoping to win her heart and the card. As the story progresses, John Brent becomes increasingly obsessed with the card and his desire to possess it. He begins to neglect his business and his health, and his relationships with those around him suffer. The Old Card is a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and the importance of valuing human connections over material possessions. It is a timeless story that explores themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness. This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
Emerald City
A fast-moving, wisecracking commentary on contemporary urban mores and morals, and the rivalries and passions to be encountered on the road to success. Married couple Colin, a screenwriter, and Kate, a publisher, move to the 'Emerald City', where fame and fortune are there for the taking, but surprises are in store for them both. Sharp-edged, satirical and accusatory, Emerald City lays into the materialism of the 1980s with a razor-sharp wit. Within four months of its premiere, five separate productions had opened around Australia. 1988 AWGIE Awards ' Stage Award
A Town Named War Boy
'We hit Cairo like a train! ... Every dirty little alley, every dusty back-room bar. The pyramids are marvellous, but I could spend the rest of my days quite happily in the arms of your temptation.' Inspired by the State Library of New South Wales' jaw-dropping collection of World War I diaries and letters, A Town Named War Boy explores both the events of war and the impact it has upon soldiers and their families. Written with insight, humour and sensitivity, Ross Mueller's moving play brings the ANZAC legend to life.
The Peach Season
After the murder of her husband, Celia has shut herself and her 16-year-old daughter Zo禱 away, toiling on a peach farm in the middle of nowhere. The arrival of two young people to help during picking season heralds the beginning of the end for Celia's safe existence. Her daughter falls in love with enigmatic, erratic Kieran, but when the relationship is threatened, they run away together. The safe, perhaps smothering, world that Celia has created unravels; her paranoia and insecurities amplified to full volume. Playing out alongside her fear, we see the increasingly degrading and dangerous lifestyle that the two elopers have fallen into. The Peach Season is a powerful, salutary tale showing what it's like to be a young person desperate for independence, but also, crucially, what it's like to be a parent during the painful process of letting children fly the nest.
Mates
What do a transvestite, an ageing shearer, a retired prostitute and a famous footballer have in common? All find themselves in a cabaret venue late one night after the show - and all are looking for love. Peter Kenna's masterful and touching one-Act play was first performed in 1975, and has lost none of its bittersweet emotion. By turns moving, funny and terrifying, this play is a powerful record of a time when love could not always speak its name.
Williamson
One of Australia's Living National Treasures and its best known and most widely performed playwright, David Williamson brings us five of his latest works. Age has not wearied him, and indeed this collection exemplifies Williamson's uncanny ability to be timely, relevant and thoroughly modern. As director Sandra Bates notes in her introduction, Williamson is unique in Australian theatre because of 'his ability to see and understand Australia's current circumstances, our society's circumstances right here, right now; indeed to be ahead of what is current'. At Any Cost?: Deals with delicate end-of-life issues, and the huge costs of keeping extremely ill patients alive. Managing Carmen: A secretively cross-dressing AFL superstar threatens lucrative advertising dollars. Nothing Personal: Two highly ambitious book publishing executives go head-to-head in an all-out war over the top job'and unsurprisingly in 2012 it's two women! Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica: Two 40-something lonely singles come together in a delightful romantic comedy. When Dad Married Fury: This play has it all'the GFC, a billionaire, intense inheritance battles and a Tea Party beauty queen!
Plays of Gods and Men
Contains four of Lord Dunsany's fantasy plays: "The Tents of the Arabs," "The Laughter of the Gods," "The Queen's Enemies," and "A Night at an Inn." Part of the Wildside Fantasy Classics series. Introduction by Lin Carter and John Gregory Betancourt.
Influence and Operator
In Influence, Ziggi Blasco knows how to turn fear into hate. A talk-back host whose power rests in his influence over his audience, he fills Sydney's airwaves with his appeals to a particular brand of 'common sense', his hard stance on terrorists and his lashings at political correctness. But in the private sphere, Ziggi's influence is fading away. A scathing and bitingly funny play about the media personalities that dominate our lives and the divisions that can shatter families. In Operator, charming young go-getter Jake is the ideal candidate for an executive position with a thriving local company. He's welcomed aboard by his hardworking boss and co-worker Melissa, who has all the intelligence, industry and integrity Jake lacks. But Jake has a secret weapon: his skills at exploiting, manipulating and manoeuvring would put Machiavelli in the shade. He's the Operator.
Wolf Lullaby
Is there intrinsic evil in the world? In a bleak, remote town, a small child is murdered. Suspicion falls on nine-year-old Lizzie. Convinced her daughter is guilty, Lizzie's young mother must make the torturous choice between ignoring her intuition and presenting Lizzie to the police. Lizzie is not the only one who is changed forever by the act. The adults around her, bewildered and full of denial, find their accepted beliefs crumbling around them in a play which explores the sources of violence and its legacy. 1998 Jill Blewett Playwright's Award.
Replay
The past is what you make it.John saw his brother Michael die. He seems to have forgotten it, until now. His brother Peter saw it too, but remembers things differently. Together, they revisit the past in search of a common truth. But this search has terrifying, unexpected consequences for them both.Winner of the Patrick White Playwrights' Award in 2011, Phillip Kavanagh is a playwright of exceptional delicacy. Replay is a beautiful meditation on the fluidity of life, childhood nostalgia and the fallibility of collective memory. It reminds us that moments of chance, lost or taken, can determine our destiny.
The Incredible Here and Now
The Incredible Here and Now is a play about cars and boys and having to grow up too soon. Charcoal chicken, a white Pontiac Trans Am, the Council pool, Michael is living in the shadow of his older brother Dom. The biggest guy in the school. Best car in the West. The guy who just can't help but grab everyone's attention. The guy with the girlfriend with the huge-arse hair. When he is gone Michael roams the streets, navigating life, friendship, love and family. The Incredible Here and Now is a poignant rollercoaster ride celebrating life, first love, family and new beginnings, traversing the streets of Western Sydney. Adapted for the stage by international award-winning local author and playwright Felicity Castagna.
October
'Don't mention it to anyone. Not that we are going to do anything. But don't mention it anyway.' Tim and Angela are on the edge of something irrevocable. A stranger's accusation of infidelity has turned their perfect urban dream into a nightmare. Now, every corner of their inner-city apartment hides a menacing secret, every step outside is a step into the unknown. The threat to their existence is killing them.Enter Dick, private eye - smarmy and menacing by turns, a Man Who Makes Things Happen. Though he charges by the hour and his approach is definitely unconventional, Dick may be exactly what the situation requires. But just how far are Tim and Angela willing to go to ensure their personal safety?
Skate
Inspired by true events that occurred in a south-western New South Wales town, Skate is about a group of kids battling their local council to get a skate park built in their home town of Narragindi. In the midst of this struggle they are forced to deal with the sudden death of one of their friends. They attempt one final stand; the skate park holds the promise of renewing local youth pride and self-esteem.Skate is a turbo-charged, moving and funny account of the mates, mothers, tricks and traumas of a group of young skaters. Enhanced by live skateboarding, the play is full of the emotional awkwardness of adolescence, its adrenaline, compassion and humour, and reflects the hopes and aspirations of young people in regional Australia.
The Serpent's Teeth
In Citizens, set at the dividing wall of a war-torn country, conflict is an unseen force which disrupts the everyday tasks of people battling to survive. Soldiers is set in an Air Force hangar far from the battlefield. But for five families who have gathered to receive the bodies of their sons, brothers and friends, war does not seem so far away. Keene's astute and probing insight into the insidious effects of global tensions give us cause to reflect on the true human cost of armed conflict whether it is close to home or not.
All For Love; Or, The World Well Lost A Tragedy
"All for Love, or The World Well Lost" by John Dryden is a classic tragedy that delves into the tumultuous and tragic love affair between Antony and Cleopatra, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and personal conflict. Unlike Shakespeare's portrayal, Dryden's version emphasizes the intense passion and love between the protagonists, which ultimately leads to their downfall. Political Intrigue and Conflict The play is steeped in political intrigue as Antony, torn between his love for Cleopatra and his duty to Rome, faces conflict both within himself and from external forces, particularly from Octavius Caesar, who seeks to consolidate his power in the Roman Empire. Betrayal, Power, and Ambition Themes of betrayal and ambition drive the narrative, highlighting the complexities of relationships and the ruthless pursuit of power. Octavius Caesar's ambition to rule Rome fuels the plot's tension, leading to manipulations and betrayals that shape the characters' fates. Duty, Honor, and Death Antony's struggle with duty and honor underscores the play's exploration of conflicting loyalties. His decisions ultimately lead to tragic consequences, culminating in the inevitable death of Antony and Cleopatra. Rivalry and Neoclassical Drama Dryden adheres to neoclassical drama conventions, emphasizing unity of action, moral themes, and poetic language. The rivalry between Antony and Octavius Caesar reflects the clash of personalities and ideologies, adding depth to the play's exploration of human nature and historical events. In summary, "All for Love, or The World Well Lost" by John Dryden is a masterful depiction of love, politics, and tragedy in ancient Rome and Egypt. Through vivid characters, intricate plot twists, and profound themes, Dryden's play continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of timeless human emotions and the complexities of power and ambition.
Blackberry
At a deserted lakeshore, Fiona, Mo and Salim find peace in this urban hideout, a place that reeks of freedom, where they can be themselves. Until the disturbing discovery of a dead body, a murdered girl destroys their utopia and bursts the fantasy of escaping their everyday lives. Blackberry examines the lingering stain of colonialism from the perspective of four IBPOC youth. Analogous to the social movements of 2020, site-specific play, Blackberry is a relevant, mysterious and hopeful piece of theatre that contributes a powerful message to the Defund the Police movement.
Honey Spot
The friendship between an Aboriginal boy and a white girl raises issues of race in a touching story of two families who seem to have nothing in common ... until danger strikes and forces them to face their prejudices. Illustrated by Ellen Jose.
Packer and Sons
James Packer believes you want to be him. 'I recognise that the vast majority of people would swap places with me and I wouldn't swap places with with anyone.' Is he right?This is the origin story of the Packer prince told over three generations of tycoons who each battle to inherit their gargantuan birthright and drag it into a new era. Packer & Sons is about the family who told Australia how to think, how to relax, how to be - and the knowledge that was passed from father to son - wisdom, acumen, politics. But also, how to forge your body-armour.Tommy Murphy (Mark Colvin's Kidney, Strangers in Between, Gwen in Purgatory and Holding the Man) is his generation's great theatre chronicler of the mess that is contemporary Australia. His writing covers vast terrain - the nature of power, who owns the truth, how our society shifts its plate tectonics. Packer & Sons is also a play of intense detail, and the quiet moments when powerful men pass lore to tomorrow's kings.This landmark theatrical event takes aim at patriarchal power, the catastrophe of entitlement and the greed that pervades Australian life.
Dead Heart
In the isolated community of Wala Wala, Senior Constable Ray Lorkin struggles to keep an uneasy peace between Aboriginal tradition and the law he is sworn to uphold. But when a local man dies in mysterious circumstances, Ray decides he can no longer do things 'blackfella way'.1993 The Australian Human Rights Award1993 The NSW Premier's Literary Award for stage1993 AWGIE, Best Stage Play'Dead Heart is Australian history in the making, as In the Heat of the Night was for America in the sixties ... Dead Heart touches the near extinct life that just beats beneath Australian society ...' - The Times, London'Dead Heart ... asks how blacks and whites can continue with different value systems ... The question is a burning one not only in Australia but in every other country where multicultural identities come into conflict.' - Time Magazine'A fantastic, totally unforgettable production.' - The Observer, London'... the force and impact of Dead Heart (is) in it's devastating lack of resolution; and its tough minded complexity.' - the Sun Herald, Sydney
A Quiet Valley
"A Quiet Valley" by Agnes Giberne is a novel set in a serene, rural valley, where the beauty of nature and the tranquility of the countryside create an idyllic backdrop for the story. The narrative explores the interactions and relationships within a small, close-knit community, focusing on themes of peace and tranquility. The character's experience significant growth and development as they navigate their personal struggles and challenges. Family dynamics play a crucial role in the story, highlighting the bonds and conflicts within families. Faith and spirituality are central themes, with characters often turning to religion for guidance and comfort. The novel weaves moral lessons throughout, exploring ethical and moral themes that resonate with the readers. Societal norms and expectations are examined, providing insight into the characters' motivations and actions. Set within a specific historical context, "A Quiet Valley" captures the essence of rural life during that period, enriched with detailed descriptions of the natural beauty and landscape. The novel's portrayal of an idealized rural life, combined with its exploration of personal and communal themes, offers a compelling and heartwarming story about the enduring impact of nature, faith, and human connections.
Fran
Fran by John Breckenridge Ellis is a compelling novel that weaves together romance, drama, and social themes into an emotionally rich narrative. At the heart of Fran is a romantic relationship that drives the story forward. The novel delves deeply into the complexities of love, examining how the characters navigate their emotional connections and the challenges that arise within their relationships. Drama is a key component of the narrative, with the story highlighting intense and emotionally charged situations. The characters face significant conflicts and obstacles that test their resolve and influence their personal growth. These dramatic elements add depth and tension to the plot. The novel explores various social themes, addressing societal and cultural issues that impact the characters' lives and relationships. These themes provide context and relevance to the characters' experiences, adding layers of meaning to the narrative. The setting of Fran plays a crucial role in shaping the story, providing a backdrop that enhances the drama and romance. Overall, Fran is a richly layered novel that combines romance, drama, and social commentary. Its focus on character development and emotional depth, along with its exploration of relationships and societal issues, creates a dynamic and engaging narrative.
An Outcast Or, Virtue and Faith
"An Outcast, Or, Virtue and Faith" by Ann S. Stephens is a compelling novel that delves into themes of social exclusion and personal redemption within the context of Victorian society. The story follows the life of an outcast who grapples with the challenges of being marginalized by society. Central to the narrative are themes of virtue and faith, as the protagonist strives to maintain moral excellence and personal integrity despite significant social and personal struggles. The novel explores the harsh realities of social exclusion and the impact it has on individuals. The novel addresses various social issues and injustices, highlighting the impact of social norms and values on individual lives. Romantic relationships play a crucial role in the story, adding emotional depth and complexity to the protagonist's journey. As the characters face moral dilemmas and ethical challenges, the narrative explores the possibilities of redemption and transformation. Family dynamics are also integral to the plot, influencing the characters' decisions and interactions. Through its rich depiction of Victorian society and its examination of personal and social conflicts, "An Outcast, Or, Virtue and Faith" offers a thoughtful exploration of virtue, faith, and the quest for acceptance.
Melbourne Talam
'I have completely lost my talam. All I hear is the ring of mobile phones, the noise of escalators, platform announcements and the trains squealing on the tracks. Where's the koyal, where's the ring of temple bells, where's Carnatic music, where's my mother's voice?'Three young people see each other across a crowded Flagstaff station. They just missed the train. Now they wait. And think. They think about home: Punjab, Delhi, Hyderabad. And about how they just can't seem to get Melbourne's rhythm right. And of all the impossible things they must do to stay. And their time is running out.Developed through MTC CONNECT and the NEON and Cybec Electric play development programs, this vibrant play puts Melbourne's contemporary social issues at centre stage.
The Spiritual Heartache
The Spiritual Heartache is a touching novel that beautifully captures the essence of love in a spiritual context. Written by Hamza Khan, the book delves into the complexities of love through a fictional narrative. It consists of 25 chapters and approximately 50,000 words, including an additional chapter by the author. The story is told in spiritual language, aiming to evoke a deep appreciation for the value of love in the reader's heart. The narrative follows an atheist boy who is facing numerous hardships, particularly after causing pain to a kind-hearted woman. This leads to a profound spiritual heartache that profoundly impacts him. Despite the challenges, the story concludes on a positive note, offering a heartwarming and inspiring read. The book is set to be published by Double 9 publication in 2024, and it promises to be a compelling exploration of love and spirituality.
Darwin's Reptilia
One sweltering December morning, self-help guru Renata flies from New York to the Palms Motel in Darwin, Australia for her estranged mother's funeral, partner and baby in tow. Except there is no funeral - her half-sister Flick has already scattered the ashes, and the crocodiles have moved into town. Not to mention the obsessed fan who's followed her from New York. In Charlie Falkner's darkly absurdist comedy, a motley crew of five find themselves trapped by a once-in-a-lifetime crocodile infestation. With the reptiles closing in and the humans losing grip, who is the real threat here? The encroaching reptiles, or each other?'Endlessly amusing, with intricately imagined characters who endear, charm and fascinate' - Suzy Goes See
Orange Thrower
The night is still. The air is hot and thick. From up on the roof, matching houses stretch as far as the eye can see. Welcome to the sunny suburb or Paradise. While her folks are back in Johannesburg, Zadie is holding down the family fort. This means keeping her little sis away from bush doofs, avoiding the cute boy next door, and smiling when her nice white neighbours try to touch her hair. All that changes when an unexpected visitor bursts back into Zadie's life in the middle of the night, breaking the silence with loud music and even louder opinions. To make matters worse, someone's been pelting the house with oranges. All of a sudden, Zadie's got a big, sticky suburban mess on her hands. Orange Thrower is the award-winning debut play from Kirsty Marillier. A fresh twist on the Australian coming-of-age story, this play is a joyful comedy, a curious mystery, and a poignant love letter to South African women.
Rosieville
Every night, at the same time, a pigeon crash lands in my room. At first, I think it's dead. Then it starts talking. A homing pigeon with no sense of direction becomes the unlikely saviour of a young girl up against her first encounter with heartbreak. Rose's life has been turned upside down. She seems to be getting through it okay, except at night when her dream life is taken over by a mouthy homing pigeon that claims to be her subconscious. The last thing Rose wants is to be put through a psychological boot camp by a bossy rat with wings, but the bird's intentions are good. It is there to help Rose to prepare for a new world order. It knows her dad is not coming home. Rosieville is a universal story about getting back up after a blow to the heart. It is a homage to the instinct, loyalty, stamina and grit of homing pigeons who, despite countless obstacles and long distances, always manage to find their way home.Rosieville was commissioned and first produced by Canberra Youth Theatre.
The Queen's Nanny
Inspired by historical events, a royal scandal ignites a blistering fire between the steely Queen Mother and her children's doting nanny in Melanie Tait's sparkling new comedy-drama. Marion 'Crawfie' Crawford adored her job as governess to Princesses Lilibet and Margaret Rose until she was ostracised without warning - despite dedicating the best part of her life to raising, educating and caring for the young royals. The reason? A tell-all memoir. This blackly funny play imagines a series of pivotal moments between two strong-spirited women harbouring complicated resentment.
