Cirrus@Austlit

Hannie Rayson is what is called in Australian slang a 'stirrer', meaning a person who attempts to stir up debate on matters of social and political significance. This is perhaps not unusual for a playwright in any country in an age when political engagement is increasingly seen as the legitimate province of the artist. It is not unusual in Australia where historically may playwrights have concerned themselves with notions of Australian identity, politics and social justice in their works.