Drama at the University of Sydney: A Turbulent Era, 1957–1963

The period from 1957 to 1963 was a tumultuous one for drama at the University of Sydney. A series of events, including the resignation of the head of the drama department, the formation of a rival student drama group, and the staging of a controversial play, led to a period of great upheaval and change.

Ripples Before the New Wave: Drama at the University of Sydney 1957-63

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The Resignation of Hugh Hunt

In 1957, Hugh Hunt, the head of the drama department at the University of Sydney, resigned from his position. Hunt had been a leading figure in the Australian theatre scene for many years, and his resignation was a major blow to the department.

There were a number of reasons for Hunt's resignation. He was unhappy with the lack of support for drama at the university, and he felt that the department was not providing students with the opportunities they needed to develop their skills.

The Formation of The Independent Theatre

In the wake of Hunt's resignation, a group of students formed The Independent Theatre. This group was intended to provide students with an alternative to the university's drama department, and it quickly became a major force in the university's theatre scene.

The Independent Theatre staged a number of successful productions during its early years, including a production of Bertolt Brecht's "Mother Courage and Her Children" in 1959. The group also provided a platform for new and emerging playwrights, such as David Williamson and John Romeril.

The Staging of "The One Day of the Year"

In 1962, The Independent Theatre staged a production of "The One Day of the Year" by Alan Seymour. This play was highly controversial, as it dealt with the issue of homosexuality. The play was banned by the university administration, but The Independent Theatre went ahead with its production, despite the threat of disciplinary action.

The staging of "The One Day of the Year" caused a major uproar on campus. The university administration was outraged, and the students who had participated in the production were threatened with expulsion. However, the play also had a galvanizing effect on the university's theatre community, and it helped to raise awareness of the issue of homosexuality.

The Aftermath of the "The One Day of the Year" Controversy

The "The One Day of the Year" controversy had a lasting impact on drama at the University of Sydney. The university administration became more hostile to student theatre, and the Independent Theatre was forced to close down. However, the controversy also led to a greater appreciation of the importance of drama, and it helped to pave the way for the establishment of a more vibrant and independent theatre scene at the university.

The period from 1957 to 1963 was a turbulent one for drama at the University of Sydney. However, it was also a period of great change and progress. The resignation of Hugh Hunt, the formation of The Independent Theatre, and the staging of "The One Day of the Year" all helped to shape the future of drama at the university.

Ripples Before the New Wave: Drama at the University of Sydney 1957-63

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	29443 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	343 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE