Rupert Brooke Prize
Subcategory of Awards Australian Awards
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History

The Rupert Brooke Literary Prize of £25 was awarded in commemoration of peace by the Old Collegians' Association of the Presbyterian Ladies College, Melbourne. Contestants had to provide an essay or one act play which had not been published and on a theme.  Conditions also stated that Irish-born subjects  who were residents of the Commonwealth of Australia or the Dominion of New Zealand for not less than five years were also eligible to compete. The essay could not exceed 2500 words. Entries had to be sent in under a nom-de plume.  The author retained the rights of publication. The Rupert Brooke prize was given by the Old Collegians' Association of the PresbyterIan Ladies' College. Melbourne.  (Source : The Examiner (Launceston) 18 June 1926 p2)

Latest Winners / Recipients

Year: 1923

winner Drought M. S. Armstrong , 1924 1924 single work drama
— Appears in: Prize One-Act Plays 1934; (p. 77-93) Plays in One Act 1958;

After years of drought, selectors Joe and Ellie have reached their breaking point. In fact the struggle has brought them to the brink of madness. The pair argue and reminisce about everything and nothing before Joe finally decides in a moment of clarity that Ellie should leave and go back to her family in the city. Although she is somewhat hesitant Joe begs her to go quickly before his sanity leaves him. Ellie gathers a few possessions and walks to the door. As she is about to leave she notices that the sky is getting dark. 'Clouds cranking' up a bit I expect,' says Joe, in reference to the smoke from the incessant bushfires. Ellie leaves and shortly afterwards Joe turns his rifle on himself. At the same time he fires the gun a crack of thunder is heard, followed by the sound of wild rain. Moments later his wife rushes in....

The play is set entirely within the livingroom of a bush shanty situated near the Bogan River, New South Wales.

Year: 1920

inaugural winner Gallipoli i "Rust on the cannon, cobwebs on the drum -", David McKee Wright , 1920 single work poetry
— Appears in: The Bulletin , 2 September vol. 41 no. 2116 1920; (p. 40)

Works About this Award

Drought : Australian Woman's Success 1934 single work column
— Appears in: The Examiner , 30 August 1934; (p. 9)

Discusses Armstrong's successful play Drought which was performed in London at St Martin's Theatre subsequent to winning praise in Australia.

Also provides details of Armstrong's war service and establishment of a soldier settler farm which she received after returning from active nursing duty in France.

One-Act Play Prize Award 1924 single work column
— Appears in: The Argus , 5 January no. 24154 1924; (p. 18)
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