Based on Irish folklore and described as a "Celtic phantasy," The Quern focuses on an incident involving King Cormack of ancient Ireland. The work was inspired by a sojourn to Ireland by Edith Sterling Levis in which she spent time delving into folk story and legend. Part of her research was undertaken at Trinity College, Dublin. In turning the research into a stage play Levis collaborated with naval commander C. H. Rolleston, himself steeped in Celtic mythology and folklore.
The Quern is mentioned briefly in the following newspaper articles and reviews:
1934: Savoy Theatre, Sydney; 31 October
1935: Conservation Hall, Sydney; 1 July
1946: Clement Hosking Studio, 258 George Street, Sydney; 5 October
'There has been far some lime in Sydney a regular epidemic among non-professional companies of play-writing competitions, mostly for one-act pieces. Even one or two societies that were not sponsoring, a competition seemed (perhaps unconsciously) to fall into line, and put on a season of plays by local playwrights. Results of these contests and of the staged pieces, have on the whole, been encouraging...'
'There has been far some lime in Sydney a regular epidemic among non-professional companies of play-writing competitions, mostly for one-act pieces. Even one or two societies that were not sponsoring, a competition seemed (perhaps unconsciously) to fall into line, and put on a season of plays by local playwrights. Results of these contests and of the staged pieces, have on the whole, been encouraging...'