The Drover's Wife (play) facts for kids
The Drover’s Wife is a powerful play written by Leah Purcell. It is based on a famous short story from 1892 by Henry Lawson, also called The Drover's Wife. This play tells a new and exciting version of the classic Australian tale.
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What is The Drover's Wife About?
The story follows a brave woman named Molly Johnson. She is heavily pregnant and lives in a lonely home in the Snowy Mountains. Her husband, a drover, is often away for long periods, moving cattle.
One day, Molly meets Yadaka, an Aboriginal man who is trying to escape from the colonial authorities. Over a few days, important events happen that change both Molly's and Yadaka's lives forever. The play explores themes of survival, family, and justice in the Australian bush.
Where Was the Play First Performed?
The Drover's Wife first opened at the Belvoir St Theatre in Sydney. This was from September 17 to October 16, 2016. Leticia Càceres directed the play, and Belvoir produced it. Leah Purcell herself played the main character, Molly. Other actors included Mark Coles Smith, Tony Cogin, Benedict Hardie, and Will McDonald.
Awards and Recognition
The Drover's Wife has won many important awards. It received the Nick Enright Prize for Playwriting. It also won the top "Book of the Year" award at the New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards.
The play also won the Prize for Drama and the overall Victorian Prize for Literature at the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards. In January 2017, it was named "Best New Australian Work" at the Sydney Theatre Awards. The Belvoir production was also recognized as "Best Mainstage Production."
In July 2017, it won the national Helpmann Award for Best Play and "Best New Australian Work." The play continued its success at the AWGIE Awards in August 2017. There, The Drover's Wife won the Major Award for all types of writing for performance. It also received the Stage award and the David Williamson Prize for excellent Australian theatre writing.
Film Version
The play was also made into a movie in 2021. This film was also written and directed by Leah Purcell, bringing her powerful story to an even wider audience.
See also
