y separately published work icon Spare Moments in Australia selected work   drama   essay  
Issue Details: First known date: 1877... 1877 Spare Moments in Australia
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Notes

  • Primarily literary essays and fragments, with Part II containing two plays: 'Anniversary Day; or Helen's Betrothal : an Australian Drama in Three Acts : Scene-Sydney' and 'A Home Country Sketch : The Two Lovers, or The Ghosts in the Churchyard'. The Annotated Calendar of Plays Premiered in Australia 1850-1869 compiled by Veronica Kelly (1995) indicates 'Anniversary Day' was performed in 1868. The Annotated Calendar of Plays Premiered in Australia 1870-1890 compiled by Veronica Kelly (1997) states 'The Two Lovers' was staged in 1870. Several short essays on contemporary figures and events are also included in the volume. (Ferguson 12311)

Contents

* Contents derived from the Sydney, New South Wales,:John G. Marwick , 1877 version. Please note that other versions/publications may contain different contents. See the Publication Details.
Anniversary Day, or Helen's Betrothal : An Australian Drama in Three Acts : Scene-Sydney, John G. Marwick , single work drama

'Because of her dying mother's wish Helen is engaged to her cousin Thornton, whom she dislikes. Charles rescues her from drowning in Sydney Harbour and they fall in love. To meet his debts Thornton forges his uncle's signature; Marion his cast-off mistress threatens his exposure and dies of remorse over her past. When Uncle and Charles confront Thornton over his forgeries the latter shoots Charles who dies in Helen's arms, and is himself killed by one of his old victims, an ex-convict. Some local colour and topical discussion of Australia's wealth and future political role, advantages of monarchical over republican government, and the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh in the Galatea. Advertised in Empire 18680611.'

Source: Kelly, Veronica (ed.) Annotated Calendar of Plays Premiered in Australia 1850-1869 (1995).

(p. 114-144)
A Home Country Sketch : The Two Lovers, or The Ghosts in the Churchyard, John G. Marwick , single work drama
'Rustic farce set in English village on Mayday. Kate is beloved of two unwelcome suitors, whom she separately persuades to dress as ghosts and hence scare each other at night in the churchyard. This is done, leaving Kate with her preferred suitor.' Annotated Calendar of Plays Premiered in Australia 1870-1890 compiled by Veronica Kelly (1997).
(p. 145-155)

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Last amended 8 Aug 2006 12:12:06
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