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Overview

Synopsis

Inspired by the historical events surrounding the “first fleet” of British convicts sentenced to transportation to Australia in the 18th century, Our Country’s Good follows second lieutenant Ralph Clark as he decides to stage a play in order to rehabilitate the criminals who have arrived at the penal colony in New South Wales. Choosing the play 'The Recruiting Officer' by George Farquar, the ambitious Ralph forms up a motley cast of convicts, each with their own motivations for joining the play. Rehearsals are interrupted when an escape attempt lands half of the cast in prison, but the compassionate Governor Phillips advocates for the play to continue, believing that Ralph’s efforts can re-educate the convicts, no matter what their crimes. Set against the backdrop of the British colonization of Australia, Our Country’s Good explores themes of empathy, humanity and justice, and resolves with a message of hope and redemption for all of the convicts, and for Ralph himself.

Based on the novel 'The Playmaker' by Thomas Keneally, Our Country’s Good features many characters based on real historical figures from the time. The play is built for double-casting, and is commonly performed with 10 actors across the 22 parts.

Show Information

Based on the Play/Book/Film
The Playmaker - Thomas Keneally
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1988
Genres
Drama, Historical/Biographical
Settings
Period
Time & Place
New South Wales, Australia, 18th Century
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Ideal For
College/University, Ensemble Cast, Large Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Community Theatre, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Ralph Clark

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Arthur Phillip

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Harry Brewer

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Mary Brenham

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Duckling Smith

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Robert Sideway

Featured

Male

Non-singer

John Wisehammer

Featured

Male

Non-singer

The Aborigine

Featured

Male

Non-singer

David Collins

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Watkin Tench

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Meg Long

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Dabby Bryant

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Liz Morden

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Robbie Ross

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Jemmy Campbell

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Reverend Johnson

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Will Dawes

Featured

Male

Non-singer

William Faddy

Featured

Male

Non-singer

George Johnston

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Ketch Freeman

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Black Caesar

Featured

Male

Non-singer

John Arscott

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

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Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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