Exploring the life of Australian literary icon Miles Franklin following her success of writing My Brilliant Career, Moira Blumenthal Productions presents Alice Spigelman’s new play, The Kingdom of Eucalypts, at the Bondi Pavilion from 30 October 2024.
Returning to Sydney in 1932 after years in Chicago and London, Miles Franklin is still trying to get her books published, with little success. Frustrated by living with her elderly mother, the lack of money and feelings of failure, she struggles to reignite her fame as a twenty-year-old when she wrote My Brilliant Career which captured the nation’s imagination.
Hope glimmers when Miles meets the mercurial publisher Inky Stephenson. They become firm friends, and he invites her to join his Yabber club of writers and progressive thinkers, a relief from caring for her elderly, demanding mother, it gives Miles a chance to be part of an influential circle.
She ignores the warning signs of Inky’s outrageous ideas. His passion for Australians to create their own culture and break with Britain is more important to Miles, and she is still part of Inky’s circle as he begins his drift into dangerous politics.
Directed by Moira Blumenthal, Sarah Greenwood plays the young, idealistic Miles, while Beth Daly plays the disillusioned older author in her 50s. Alice Livingstone takes on the role of Mile’s demanding elderly mother and James Coetzee is the romantic and passionate lover Edwin Brindle, who tries unsuccessfully to woo the independent young creative. Lloyd-Alison Young plays the publisher Inky Stephenson, a blustering, larger-than-life figure, who fails at everything he puts his hand to.
The Kingdom of Eucalypts takes place in the post-depression era, fascism is on the rise. As war gathers in Europe, the group segues into the fascist-leaning Australia First that looks to Hitler’s Germany as a model for strong leadership.
“The play sees Miles’ struggle as an artist underscore her drift into this potentially dangerous situation, She was not alone in this“ says playwright Alice Spigelman. “The 1930s saw a rise in nationalism, a push by some Australians for the country to become its own nation and break with Britain. The play does not accuse Miles of being a fascist but explores what happens when ambition and the need to succeed takes precedence over clear thinking.”
Spigelman has written plays and books and is a clinical psychologist. Her books include The Budapest Job (2018) a thriller set in 1989 at the time of the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 2001 she released her Almost Full Circle: Harry Seidler biography. She has written plays about psychoanalysis, Virginia Woolf and about the burden carried by the children of Holocaust survivors.
It was at The State Library that the playwright decided to write about Miles Franklin. Whilst researching for a biography, Paul Brenton, Emeritus Curator, revealed to Spigelman that Miles had written her diaries in code.
Finally, he had found someone to crack the code! Unusual for someone in her fifties to hide her diaries from her mother, the code hinted at a difficult relationship that intrigued the playwright.
“And so, the play began” she says. “Miles stands for the frustration women have felt over centuries at having to struggle for recognition. Working in a day job and writing through the night took its toll on Miles.”
“But her journey deserves to be known, despite her mistakes. A lesson to be learnt never to compromise. Her courage at living life on her own terms is staggering. It drew me in. Her voice still echoes in my head,” said Spigelman.
Director: Moira Blumenthal | Featuring: Lloyd Allison-Young, James Coetzee, Beth Daly, Sarah Greenwood, Alice Livingstone | Playwright: Alice Spigelman | Dramaturg: Timothy Daly
The Kingdom of Eucalypts
Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach
Season: 30 October – 17 November 2024
Bookings: www.bondipavilion.com.au
For more information, visit: www.moirablumenthalproductions.com.au for details.
Image: The Kingdom of Eucalypts (supplied)