Cirrus@Austlit

This play is based on the life of Colonel William Light, the first surveyor-General of South Australia. When the action takes place, Light has arrived in South Australia to find that his surveying equipment and staff are not up to the huge task before him. Tempers rise in the colony when immigrants arrive to find that the land they purchased has not yet been surveyed. Light’s antagonist, John Hindmarsh, is determined to compromise Light’s career. Amongst the jealousy and anger, Light finds comfort in a young woman named Linda Manners. Awake My Love depicts the struggle of an honest, admirable man against the unrelenting torments of rivals, heartbreak, illness, and misfortune.

Characters

COLONEL WILLIAM LIGHT

GOVERNOR HINDMARSH

MRS. ORCHARD

MR. ORCHARD

AMELIA ORCHARD

MRS. MANNERS

MR. MANNERS

LINDA MANNERS

TRAVERS FINNISS

DIXON - MANNER'S HOUSEKEEPER

MARIA - LIGHT'S HOUSEKEEPER

STEVENSON

GILLES

HERBERT

ALGERNON