'It is 1962 and the world is worried about the Cuban missile crisis, except for Lewis, a youth on the cusp of manhood, growing up in a Melbourne housing commission suburb. He is preoccupied by flying saucer, much to the disgust of his friend Brian who can think only of losing his virginity. Lewis finds a natural soulmate in local tom-boy, Dulcie, who has her own confusions about approaching womanhood. And then out of nowhere Lewis's errant father returns to stay, as if he had never gone.'
Source: Currency Press.
Summer of the Aliens
1992
Paddington
:
Currency Press
,
1992
Z468336
1992
single work
drama
(taught in 1 units)
'It is 1962 and the world is worried about the Cuban missile crisis, except for Lewis, a youth on the cusp of manhood, growing up in a Melbourne housing commission suburb. He is preoccupied by flying saucer, much to the disgust of his friend Brian who can think only of losing his virginity. Lewis finds a natural soulmate in local tom-boy, Dulcie, who has her own confusions about approaching womanhood. And then out of nowhere Lewis's errant father returns to stay, as if he had never gone' (Currency Press).
Although the play largely focuses on adolescent issues, it is meant for an adult audience. Among the themes explored are sexuality, gender, prejudice, cultural identity and the relationship between memory and personal identity.
Broadcast on BBC Radio 4 as part of Globe Theatre 89, on 30 October 1989, from 8pm. (Preceded by a ten-minute profile of Louis Nowra, by Michael Billington.
Repeated on BBC Radio 4 on 21 April 1990, from 2:30 pm.
Broadcast on ABC radio on 7 August 1990.
Cast members: Louis Nowra (Lewis, as adult), Ben Pauley (Lewis, as boy), Kathryn Dufty (Emma), Linda Cropper (Mum), Dinah Shearing (Grandma), Nicholas Eadie (Dad), Belinda Chikosh (Dulcie), Dylan Howarth (Brian), George Spartels (Mr Pisano), Beth Child (Mrs Pisano), and Peter Carroll (Teacher).
