Using a folk musical format, with new lyrics added to traditional songs, this version of the Eureka Rebellion portrays leader Peter Lalor as a romantic rebel battling against the cold-blooded Captain Thomas. The narrative explores the issues of violent confrontation and murder, asking, 'Why do we have to resort to them?'
Presented episodically, the screenplay follows the main historical narrative, interspersing it with a fictional story about a young couple and the tragic impact of the rebellion on their lives.
The music for both the play and film was taken from traditional sources. New lyrics were written by Kenneth and Patricia Cook.
