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| Manuscript Name | Papers of John Romeril |
| Manuscript Number | MSS 054 |
| Last Updated | September 2021 |
| Extent | 10.10 m (76 boxes, 1 enclosure) |
| Location | Special Collections, UNSW Canberra |
| Abstract | This collection comprises manuscript papers and related material by the Australian playwright John Romeril |
Collection Subject Type
Literary
Scope and Content
The collection comprises papers relating to John Romeril's career as a playwright and teacher. The collection includes correspondence, scripts for produced and unproduced plays for theatre, film, radio and television, including stage, musicals, puppet theatre, pantomimes and street theatre; treatments, dramaturgy, rehearsal and production schedules, floor plans, flyers, leaflets, programs and posters; drafts of poetry and songs; drafts of articles, essays, talks, interviews and reviews; and photographs and audio cassette tapes.
Date Range of Content
1942-1993
Biographical Note
Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Romeril
John Henry Romeril was born 26 October 1945 in Melbourne, and educated at Bentleigh West State, Highett State, Brighton Technical and Brighton High Schools, Melbourne. He graduated with a B.A. Honours from Monash University in 1970, majoring in English Literature and Politics.
Romeril is a playwright, screenwriter, lyricist, adaptor and dramaturge, and is one of Australia's most prolific writers. He wrote his first four plays before graduating from university; was a founding member of the Australian Performing Group (APG) and worked with the group first at Cafe La Mama and later at the Pram Factory, Melbourne, from 1968 until their demise in 1981. He writes for a living and has worked continually in Australian theatre, radio, television and film. From 1974, he has been playwright-in-residence with a number of theatre companies and tertiary institutions throughout Australia and at the National University of Singapore. He was Artist-in-residence at the Victorian Arts Centre and Dramaturge at the Victorian College of the Arts.
Professional and amateur theatre companies have produced Romeril's plays throughout Australia and overseas. His plays are often based on current events, e.g. Australian-American relations, the constitutional events of 1975, elections, social and labour problems, war and social conflicts, and contain a strong social message. His work is a product of theatre, occasion, situation and community, is consciously experimental and often produced in workshop community-based conditions.
Romeril is the recipient of numerous awards, grants and fellowships, including:
Australia Council Grants, Awards and Fellowships, Literature Board Fellowship, 2003
Winner of the Playbox Asialink Playwriting Competition, 2003 for Tokyo Henry
Inaugural winner of the Australian National Playwrights Centre Award, 2003 for Miss Tanaka
Winner of the Australian National Playwrights Centre Award, 2003 for Miss Tanaka
Winner of the New South Wales Premier's Awards, Play Award 2002 for Miss Tanaka
Shortlisted for the New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards, Community Relations Commission Award, 2002 for Miss Tanaka
Winner AWGIE Awards, Television Award, Telemovie Original, 2001 for One night the moon
Inaugural winner of the Canada-Australia Prize, 1976, which recognized his important contribution to the world of literature
Victorian Government Drama Fellowship, 1988
Australian Council for the Arts travel grant, 1972.
Romeril wrote or adapted the following works:
Plays:
A nameless concern, produced Melbourne, 1968
The kitchen table, produced Melbourne, 1968. Included in the publication Two plays, 1971
Scene one, with John Minter, produced Melbourne, 1969
Chicago, Chicago : an art piece in twenty scenes alternative title The man from Chicago, produced Melbourne, 1969. First published in Plays, Penguin, Ringwood, Victoria, 1970
The American independence hour, produced Melbourne, 1969
Mr Big, the big, big pig, produced Melbourne, 1969
In a place somewhere else, produced Melbourne, 1969
I don't know who to feel sorry for, produced Melbourne, 1969. Published by Currency Press, Sydney, 1973 and Eyre Methuen, London, 1975
Chicago Chicago, produced Melbourne, 1970. Published in Plays, Penguin, Melbourne, 1970 and in Plays of the 60s, Currency Press, Sydney, 1998
200 years, produced Melbourne, 1970
Marvellous Melbourne, with Jack Hibberd, produced, Melbourne, 1970. Published in Theatre Australia, August 1977, vol. 2, no. 4, p. 35-44 and September/October 1977, no. 5, p. 29-39
Dr. Karl's kure, produced Melbourne, 1970
The magnetic Martian potato, produced Melbourne, 1970
Whatever happened to realism, produced Melbourne, 1971
Mrs Thally F., produced Melbourne, 1971. Published in Seven one-act plays, edited by Rodney Fisher, Currency Press, Sydney, 1983 and in Plays of the 70s, Currency Press, Sydney, 1998
Two plays, includes The kitchen table and Brudder Humphrey, published by Kosmos, Clayton, Victoria, 1971
Rearguard action, produced Melbourne, 1971
Hackett gets ahead, with Bill and Lorna Hannan, produced Melbourne, 1972
He can swagger sitting down, produced Melbourne, 1972
Bastardy, produced Melbourne, 1982. Published Yackandandah Playscripts, Montmorency, Victoria, 1982
A night in Rio and other bummerz, with Tim Robertson, produced Melbourne, 1973
The earth, air, fire, and water show, produced Melbourne, 1973
Waltzing Matilda : a national pantomime with tomato sauce, with Tim Robertson, produced Melbourne, 1974. Published Yackandandah Playscripts, Montmorency, Victoria, 1984
The floating world, produced Melbourne, 1974. Published Currency Press, Sydney and Eyre Methuen, London, 1975; revised edition published by Currency Press, Sydney, 1982
The golden Holden show, produced Melbourne, 1975
The accidental poke, produced Melbourne, 1975. Published in Popular short plays for the Australian stage, edited by Ron Blair, Currency Press, Sydney, 1985
Dudders, with John Timlin, produced Melbourne, 1976
The radio-active horror show, produced Melbourne, 1977
Mickey's Moomba : a musical, produced Melbourne, 1978
Carboni, produced Melbourne, 1980
700,000, produced Canberra, 1980
Samizdat, produced Adelaide, 1981
Centenary dance, produced Adelaide, 1984
The Kelly dance, produced Adelaide, 1984. Published Yackandandah Playscripts, Montmorency, Victoria, 1986
Definitely not the last : a rock'n'roll fable, produced Adelaide, 1985. Published Yackandandah Playscripts, Montmorency, Victoria, 1989
Jonah, music by Alan John, adaptation of the novel by Louis Stone, produced Sydney, 1985; revised version produced Adelaide, 1991
Legends, with Jennifer Hill and Chris Anastassiades, produced Melbourne, 1986. Published Yackandandah Playscripts, Montmorency, Victoria, 1986
Koori radio, produced Hobart, 1987
The imposter, adaptation of a play by Sha Yexin, produced Melbourne, 1987
History of Australia : the musical, with Tim Robertson and Don Watson, produced Melbourne, 1988
Lost weekend, produced Adelaide, 1989
Black cargo, adaptation of a story by John Morrison, produced, Melbourne, 1991
The reading boy, produced Adelaide, 1991
Working out, produced Melbourne, 1991
Bring down the house, produced Melbourne, 1992
Doing the block, Melbourne, 1993
Hanoi-Melbourne, produced, 1995
Red sun red earth, produced Adelaide and Nago City, 1996
Love suicides, music by Peter Neville, produced Canberra and Melbourne, 1997. Published by Currency Press in Association with Playbox Theatre, Sydney, 1997
Kate'n'shiner, produced Perth, 1998
XPO : the human factor, produced Brisbane, 1998
Miss Tanaka, produced Melbourne, 2001. Published by Currency Press, Sydney, 2001.
Film, television and video scripts and adaptations for the screen:
Nothing like experience, 1969
Bonjour Balwyn, 1969
The best of mates, 1972
Charlie the Chequer Cab kid, 1973
The great McCarthy, from a novel by Barry Oakley, 1975
Six of the best series, 1981-1986
Mr. Steam and dry, 1986
State of defence, 1987
Concept Inc, 1987
The ballad of Lois Ryan, 1988
Everything's a hustle, 1989
The Firm, 1989
Making trax, 1998
One night the moon, 2001
References:
Computer typescript list of 'John Romeril manuscripts and allied literary materials held by the author', 16/10/1993
Contemporary dramatists, 6th edition (1999) p. 599-601
AustLit Australian Literature Gateway database, 2003
Theatre programs
Popular short plays for the Australian stage (1985)
ScreenSound Australia, National Screen and Sound Archives, 2003
Administrative Information
Access and Copying Conditions
Access: Check with Curator
This collection contains a variety of copyright material. Copyright is held by the creator of each item. Specific conditions for this collection are listed below. If no conditions are stipulated then the standard terms of the Copyright Act apply for published and unpublished items. Digitised material from manuscript collections is provided to clients by UNSW Canberra in good faith for private study and research only, and may not be published or re-purposed without the express and written permission of the individual legal holder of that copyright. Refer also to the UNSW copyright, disclaimer and takedown policy
Copying: Check with Curator
Preferred Citation
Papers of John Romeril, Special Collections, UNSW Canberra, Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra, MSS 054, Box [Number], Folder [Number].
Provenance
The collection was acquired by the Library in 1994.
Additional Information
Related Material
Papers of the Almost Managing Company, MS 215 and Papers of Peter Corrigan, MS 245, Special Collections, UNSW Canberra, Australian Defence Force Academy
Papers of Bill Garner, MS 12835 and Papers of Jack Hibberd MS 12269, State Library of Victoria
Hanger Collection of Australian Playscripts, Fryer Library, University of Queensland.
Subject Keywords
Subjects
Australian drama, dramatists
Personal Names
John Romeril 1945-
Corporate Names
Occupations
Dramatists
Container List
Series 1 Correspondence, 1964-1993
This series comprises two subseries of correspondence relating to Romeril's professional and personal life. The correspondence consists of letters received by Romeril and drafts of letters composed by him. There are letters from editors, publishers, theatre groups, writers and agents relating to his professional life; personal correspondence from family and friends; and a collection of undated letters collated by Romeril.
1.1 Professional correspondence, 1964-1993
This subseries comprises correspondence to and from John Romeril, with colleagues, literary associates, theatre companies and publishers, concerning Romeril's various literary endeavours and work. The correspondence reflects Romeril's involvement with the Melbourne theatre scene in the late 1960s to early 1990s, his collaboration with the Australian Performing Group (APG), his work with a number of Australian and overseas theatre companies, Australian tertiary institutions and the National University of Singapore.
Folder 1
General correspondence, 1964-1966
Including Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC), Jacaranda Press, Meanjin quarterly, Oz Publications, Sun Books and The Age
Folder 2
General correspondence, 1967-1969
Including Argot, ABC, Melbourne Theatre Company, Monash University and National Union of Australian University Students
Folder 3-5
General correspondence, 1970
Including Cambridge Film & T.V. Productions, Jack Hibberd, John Sumner of Melbourne Theatre Company, Monash University, John Bell of Nimrod and John Hooker of Penguin Books
Folder 6
General correspondence, 1971
Including Graeme Blundell, Crawford Productions, John Sumner of Melbourne Theatre Company, Murray Foy of Queensland Theatre Company and Joyce and Peter Cheeseman of Victoria Theatre
Folder 7
General correspondence, 1972
Including ABC, John Timlin of APG, Currency Press and Margaret Ramsay
Folder 8
General correspondence, 1973
Including ABC, Australian Literature Board, The Australian National Playwrights Conference, The Australian Writers' Guild and Currency Press
Folder 9
General correspondence, 1974-1977
Including APG, Department of English, Western Australian Institute of Technology, New Theatre and Victorian College of the Arts
Folder 10
General correspondence, 1978
Including APG, Australian Literature Board, Christian Community College and Currency Press
Folder 11
General correspondence, 1979
Including John Timlin of the Almost Managing Company, APG, Australian Theatre Workshop, Harrington Harlow, Hoopla Theatre Foundation and Jigsaw Company
Folder 12
Undated general correspondence, 1970-1980
Including APG, The Australian, Graeme Blundell and Penguin Books
Folder 13
Undated general correspondence, 1964-1980
Folder 14
General correspondence, 1980
Including the Almost Managing Company, Australia Council, Bread and Circus Theatre Company, Currency Press, Magpie State Theatre in Education Company of South Australia and Penguin Books
Folder 15-16
General correspondence, 1981
Including the Almost Managing Company, Australia Council, Richard Walsh of Angus & Robertson, APG, Tony Summers of ABC, Bushwackers, Heinemann Educational Australia, Sydney Theatre Company, and Troupe
Folder 17
General correspondence, 1982
Including Australasian Drama Studies Association, Melbourne Theatre Company, Sydney Theatre Company and Winter Theatre
Folder 18
General correspondence, 1983
Including the Almost Managing Company, Tony Summers of the ABC, Australian National Playwrights Conference, Currency Press, Leslie Comens Agency, Ward McNally and Donald McDonald of Sydney Theatre Company
Folder 19
General correspondence, 1984
Including the Almost Managing Company, ABC, Currency Press, Sydney Theatre Company, Troupe and Victorian Arts Council
Folder 20
General correspondence, 1985
Including the Almost Managing Company, National Screenwriters Conference, The Playhouse and Richard Wherrett of Sydney Theatre Company and correspondence relating to Jonah
Folder 21
General correspondence, 1986
Including the Almost Managing Company, Australia Council, the Australian Bicentennial Authority, Sydney Theatre Company and Victorian College of the Arts
Folder 22
General correspondence, 1987
Including the Almost Managing Company, Currency Press and Richard Wherrett of Sydney Theatre Company
Folder 23
General correspondence, 1988
Including the Almost Managing Company, Australia Council, ABC, Currency Press, Salamanca Theatre Company, Richard Wherrett of Sydney Theatre Company, Theatre Works and Victorian College of the Arts
Folder 24
General correspondence, 1989
Including the Almost Managing Company, ABC, Handspan Theatre, Gavin Anderson of the Melbourne Moomba Festival, Playbox Theatre Company and the Victorian Ministry for the Arts
Folder 25
General correspondence, 1990
Including the Almost Managing Company, Australia Council, ABC, Belvoir St Theatre, Currency Press, Spoleto Melbourne Writers' Festival, State Theatre Company of South Australia and Victorian Ministry for the Arts
Folder 26
General correspondence, 1991-1993
Folder 27
Undated correspondence, 1981-1993
Including the Almost Managing Company, ABC, Belvoir St Theatre and Melbourne Writers' Festival
Folder 28
Floating world overseas correspondence and reviews, 1978-1979
Folder 29
Agreements, 1970-1990
Folder 30
Correspondence with David Barker of Stoney Creek Films, 1960s-1990
Folder 31
Correspondence with Otrun Zuber-Skerritt, 1981-1988
1.2 Personal correspondence, 1960s-1993
This subseries comprises correspondence to and from John Romeril with family and friends, and personal business matters.
Folder 1
Family correspondence, 1960s-1993
Folder 2
Personal correspondence with friends, 1960s-1993
Folder 3
Personal correspondence with friends and personal business correspondence, 1960s-1993
Folder 4
Greeting cards and artwork by children, 1960s-1993
Folder 6
Personal correspondence with Christine Berkman, 1970s-1980s
Folder 6
Greeting cards and postcards from family and friends, 1960s-1993
Series 2 Dramas, 1968-1992
This series comprises produced, unproduced and unfinished plays and musicals written by Romeril from 1968-1992. His plays have been performed in alternative and community theatres and in Australian and overseas state theatres. He has written for and worked collaboratively with the Australian Performing Group, community theatres, theatre-in-education companies and youth theatre devising dramatically strong, innovative and topical works.
The papers include notes, research material, manuscript, typescript, carbon, roneoed and photocopied drafts and galleys. Correspondence relating to this material is included in Series 1, B4 size materials are located in Series 7, audio visual materials are located Series 8, photographs are located in Series 9 and posters are located in Series 10.
2.1, The kitchen table (1968)
Short absurdist one-act play first produced by Monash University Drama Society, Monash University, 1968, directed by Romeril. Performed again at La Mama, directed by Jack Hibberd, 1969. Romeril's first produced play. Published in Two plays by John Romeril, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 1971 and as a supplement to Komos, vol. III, no 1-4, [1972].
Folder 1
Galley and notes, 1971
2.2, A nameless concern (1968)
Short absurdist play set in a Public Service tearoom, written by John Romeril when he was a second year English Honours student at Monash University. Romeril's first play produced at La Mama, directed by Graeme Blundell, 1968.
Folder 1
Production draft, carbon typescript with ms. annotations, 18 p., 1968
2.3, Chicago, Chicago : an art piece in twenty scenes (1970)
First produced by members of the Saturday Morning Club, La Mama Theatre, Carlton, 1969 under the title The man from Chicago directed by Hugh Rule. Revised version entitled Chicago, Chicago : an art piece in twenty scenes was first produced by the Australian Performing Group at the Pram Factory Theatre, Melbourne, 7 June 1970, directed by Max Gillies. Published in Plays, Penguin, Melbourne 1970 and Plays of the 60s, Currency Press, Sydney, 1998.
Folder 1
Notes, flyers, press release, Captain Cook Bi-Centenary Celebrations Citizens Committee Award - Highly Commended Open Section (Play, Literary Competition), 1970
2.4, 200 years (1970)
A three hour two-act epic devised for the Melbourne University Student Drama Society to commemorate James Cook bicentennial celebrations, 1970, directed by Graeme Blundell and John Duigan.
Folder 1-2
Research materials, 1970
Folder 3
Manuscript, annotated typescript and roneoed typescript drafts (incomplete), 1970
2.5, Mrs Thally F. (1971)
A long one-act play based on a real-life murderer, devised for the Australian Performing Group's Portable Theatre Company as a companion piece to Brenton's Christie in love. First produced by the Australian Performing Group at the Pram Factory, Melbourne, 16 July 1971, directed by Graeme Blundell, then at various tertiary campuses. Published in Seven one-act plays, edited by Rodney Fisher, Currency Press, Sydney, 1983 and Plays of the 70s, edited by Katharine Brisbane, Currency Press, Sydney, 1998.
Folder 1
Annotated typescript draft, roneoed post first production draft, annotated 2nd draft carbon typescript, program, 1971
2.6, The magnetic Martian potato (1971)
Children's play written for the Australian Performing Group by Romeril. First produced by the Australian Performing Group's Portable Theatre in April and June 1971, directed by Graeme Blundell. Later produced by Melbourne University Student Drama Company as a summer entertainment for outdoor venues, January and February 1972, directed by John Price.
Folder 1
'The magnetic potato', roneoed typescript, 9 p.
The magnetic Martian potato, roneoed typescript with inserts, 32 p. (2), photocopy of music scores for two songs, 1972
2.7, Rearguard action (1971)
Seven scenes, commissioned and workshopped by Melbourne Theatre Company at their South Melbourne premises, directed by Simon Hopkinson, 1971.
Folder 1
Synopsis, letter, notes, manuscript draft, comments on play, 1970
Folder 2-4
Manuscript, annotated typescript and roneoed drafts, 1970-1971
2.8, Bastardy (1972)
One-act play first produced by the Australian Performing Group at the Pram Factory Theatre, Melbourne, 23 August 1972, directed by Bruce Spence. Published by Yackandandah Playscripts, Montmorency, Vic., 1982.
Folder 1
Research material annotated typescript and annotated carbon and photocopy typescript drafts of APG's first production (4), 1972
Folder 2
Roneoed typescript drafts (5), 1972
Folder 3
Revised annotated photocopy typescript draft of Perth production, 1978 and Yackandandah computer typescript draft, 1982
2.9, He can swagger sitting down (1972)
One-act, seven scenes docu-drama about Alabama populist politician George Wallace. First produced at the Pram Factory as an APG double bill with Alma De Groen's The Joss Adams show, directed by Graeme Blundell as a companion piece to Chicago, Chicago. Alternative title 'The fighting little judge'.
Folder 1
Roneoed typescript, 24 p, variant roneoed typescript, 28 p, 1972
2.10, The earth, air, fire, and water show (1973)
A political revue produced by the Australian Performing Group, 1973, directed by Max Gillies, with a sketch and a song from Jack Hibberd.
Folder 1-5
Manuscript and annotated typescript, carbon typescript and photocopy typescript drafts, 1973
Folder 6
Manuscript and annotated typescript, carbon typescript and photocopy typescript drafts of sketches, directional notes, running order, report and budget, 1973
2.11, Night with the right, c. 1970s
A political revue produced by the Australian Performing Group in the 1970s. The material was also used at rallies, conferences, meetings etc.
Folder 1-2
Notes, research material, editorial material, manuscript drafts, c. 1970s
Folder 3-5
Annotated typescript drafts, c. 1970s
2.12, A night in Rio and other bummerz (1973)
Rock'n'roll musical written with Tim Robertson, music by Martin Armiger and others. First produced by the Australian Performing Group at the Pram Factory, directed by Graeme Blundell, 1973.
Folder 1-2
Scenario, notes, annotated typescript drafts, 1973
2.13, Waltzing Matilda : a national pantomime with tomato sauce (1973)
A rock'n'roll pantomime in five scenes, written in collaboration with Tim Robertson. First produced by the Australian Performing Group at the Pram Factory Theatre, Melbourne, November 1973, directed by Robertson and Joe Bolza. Published by Yackandandah Playscripts, Montmorency, Victoria, 1984.
Folder 1-4
Notes, annotated typescript drafts with cut and paste inserts (2), photocopy and roneoed copies of production scripts (2), photocopy of press release, program, reviews, 1972-1974
2.14, The floating world (1974)
Twenty scenes, first produced by the Australian Performing Group at the Pram Factory, Melbourne, 6 August 1974, directed by Lindzee Smith.
Published by Currency Press, Sydney and Eyre Methuen, London, 1975, revised edition published by Currency Press, Sydney, 1982. Translated by Sawada Keiji yaku into Japanese and entitled Furotingu warudo, published by Oseania Shuppansha, Yokohama, Honshu, Japan, 1993.
Folder 1
Research material, notes and glossary, 1972-1974
Folder 2-4
Annotated typescript, roneoed typescript and photocopy typescript drafts
Folder 5-6
Revisions and annotated photocopy typescript draft of the STC production
Folder 7
Notes, media release, program, production dates, royalty statement, reviews, seminar material, introduction page for published book, 1975-1986
2.15, The accidental poke (1975)
A one-act pastiche melodrama devised for the Hills family show. First produced by the Australian Performing Group at the Pram Factory Theatre, Melbourne, 4 July 1975, directed by Bill Hannan. Published in Popular short plays for the Australian stage, edited by Ron Blair, Currency Press, Sydney, New South Wales, 1985.
Folder 1
Roneoed typescript draft with actor or stage manager annotations, final version, typescript with ms annotations and white-out corrections, notes, program, floor plans, 1975
2.16, The golden Holden show (1975)
An experimental work along biomechanical lines about General Motors in Australia. It was in rehearsal in 1975 when the constitutional crisis erupted and was reshaped as a response to those events. First produced by the Australian Performing Group at the Pram Factory, 1975, directed by Lindzee Smith.
Folder 1
Notes, research material, handouts, 1959-1975
Folder 2
'The golden Holden mit electoral relevance', annotated typescript draft with cut and paste inserts and photocopy typescript, 1975
Folder 3
Notes and manuscript and typescript drafts with ms annotations, song lyric, 1975
Folder 4
Various drafts, annotated typescripts, carbon typescripts and photocopy typescripts, review, 1975
2.17, The records of the Castlemaine pioneers (1976)
Three epic pieces of village theatre utilising gold-fields history as its source. There are drafts of Don't laugh throw nuggets, The Downshire lass and Courtroom capers, written by Romeril. First produced by Castlemaine Drama Society in 1976, from a series of ten plays recreating the history of Castlemaine. There are also drafts of another three untitled plays from this series.
Folder 1
Don't laugh throw nuggets, research material, notes, program, rehearsal schedule, notes on stage design
Folder 2-3
Don't laugh throw nuggets, notes and manuscript, typescript and photocopy typescript drafts with ms annotations and cut and paste inserts, 1976
Folder 4
The Downshire lass, annotated photocopy drafts (3), 1976
Folder 5
Courtroom capers, notes, manuscript and photocopy typescript drafts with ms annotations, program, 1976
Folder 6
Untitled and incomplete manuscript, typescript and photocopy typescript drafts with ms annotations of three plays from the series, research materials, schedules, notes, c. 1970-1976
2.18, Radio-active horror show (1977)
An anti-uranium revue group piece devised by Romeril and members of the Australian Performing Group. First produced by the Australian Performing Group at the Pram Factory Theatre, Melbourne, 7 July 1977, directed by Carol Porter.
Folder 1
Research material, 1970s
Folder 2-13
Research material, notes, drafts of sketches, annotated typescript, photocopied typescript and roneoed typescript drafts, c. 1977
2.19, Dudders and The dud war, 1940-1988
Dudders written by Romeril and John Timlin. First produced by the Australian Performing Group at the Pram Factory Theatre, Melbourne, November 1976, directed by Romeril. The first unperformed version was written for a theatre restaurant venue, a bowdlerized version was later performed.
Dudders was revised by Romeril and entitled The dud war. First produced by University of Newcastle drama students, directed by Terence Clarke.
Folder 1
Research material, synopsis (2), APG program, club version, photocopy typescript draft and cast list, 1940-1976
Folder 2
Annotated photocopy typescript draft, c. 1975-1976
Folder 3
Annotated photocopy typescript drafts with cut and paste inserts, 65 p. (3), c. 1975-1976
Folder 4
'The dudders : a dance drama', typescript with ms annotations and cut and paste inserts, photocopy typescripts with ms annotations (2), 44 p. c. 1976
Folder 5
Notes, manuscript, typescript, carbon typescript and photocopy typescript drafts with ms annotations and cut and paste inserts (incomplete), c. 1975-1976
Folder 6
APG prompt copy with ms annotations, 65 p., 1976
Folder 7
The dud war, workshop notes, synopsis, research material, University of Newcastle Department of Drama program
Folder 8-10
Notes, typescript and photocopy typescript drafts with ms annotations and cut and paste inserts
2.20, Mickey's Moomba : a musical (1979)
Rock'n'roll musical first produced by the Australian Performing Group at the Pram Factory's Panel Beater Space, February 22 [1979], directed by Alan Robertson.
Folder 1
Research materials, flyer, show handout, copy of Blinky Bill comes to Moomba, 1946-1979
Folder 2-8
Notes, annotated typescript and photocopy typescript drafts with cut and paste inserts, 1978-1979
2.21, 700,000 : a farcical chase into the black hole of unemployment (1980)
Play in eight scenes on unemployment devised with Jigsaw for Canberra schools and community audiences during Romeril's residency, directed by Joe Woodward, 1980.
Folder 1-18
Notes, song lyrics, flyers, manuscript and annotated typescript drafts with cut and past inserts and white-out corrections, 1979-1980
2.22, Carboni (1980)
Musical based on Raffaello Carboni's book entitled The Eureka stockade, adapted by Romeril, music by George Dreyfus. First produced by the Australian Performing Group at the Pram Factory, directed by Paul Hampton, 1980. Revised and staged at Eureka Festival Ballarat and the Mill Workers Fire Fund Benefit at Castlemaine, 1981.
Folder 1
Notes, research materials, flyers, reviews, 1942-1985
Folder 2-7
Notes, annotated typescript and photocopy typescript drafts with cut and paste inserts and white-out corrections, 1979-1985
2.23, Samizdat (1981)
Play in two parts, four scenes, which consists of three separate stories to do with the persecution and injustice meted out to three citizens by the Queensland police force. First produced by Troupe Theatre, Unley, Adelaide, 1981, directed by Keith Gallasch.
Folder 1
Research material, song lyric, synopsis, poem, notes, annotated typescript drafts, 1979-1981
Folder 2-6
Annotated typescripts and photocopy typescripts with cut and paste inserts and white-out corrections, 1979-1981
2.24, The Kelly dance (1984)
Dance drama in four parts, written by Romeril when he was Writer-in-residence at the School of Drama, Flinders University, Adelaide, 1983. First produced by the Bushdance Theatre Company, Troupe Theatre, Unley, South Australia, 24 May - 9 June 1984, directed by Jules Holledge and Gavin Strawhan. Toured through South Australia and Victoria. Published by Yackandandah Playscripts, Montmorency, Victoria, 1986.
Folder 1
Research material 1878-1983
Folder 2
Notes, manuscript drafts in notebooks, music scores, 1983
Folder 3-11
Typescript and photocopy typescript drafts with ms annotations, cut and paste inserts and white-out corrections, 1983-1984
Folder 12
Annotated typescript draft with cut and paste inserts and white-out corrections, photocopy typescript draft, 1984
Folder 13
Programs, flyers, press release, reviews, reports, budget expenditure, 1983-1984
2.25, The centenary dance (1984)
A musical portrait of South Australia devised to commemorate the centennial of organised labour in South Australia, in the form of a 1950s 60/40 basket supper dance. First produced by Troupe Theatre Company and the Adelaide band Black Diamond Corner, Unley, Adelaide, 11 December 1984.
Folder 1-4
Research material, notes, annotated typescript drafts with white-out corrections, 1984
Folder 5
Notes, synopsis, research material, cast contacts list, flyers, contract, 1985-1987
2.26, Legends (1985)
Two part play co-written with Jennifer Hill and Chris Anastassiades, when Romeril was the Matthew J. Cody Writer-in-residence at the Victoria Arts Centre. First produced at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) as a final year student piece, Victoria Arts Centre Studio during the Next Wave Festival 20 August 1985, directed by Paul Hampton. Published by Yackandandah Playscripts, Montmorency, Victoria, 1986.
Folder 1
Concept, synopses, contact lists, schedules, 1984-1985
Folder 2
Research material, 1984-1985
Folder 3-9
Annotated computer, typescript and photocopy typescript drafts with cut and paste inserts and white-out corrections, 1984-1985
Folder 10
Program notes, flyers, reviews, 1985
2.27, Jonah Jones and Jonah, 1979-1991
Two-act musical based on Louis Stone's novel Jonah, words, lyrics and adaptation by Romeril, music by Alan John, commissioned by the Sydney Theatre Company in 1982. Jonah Jones version workshopped twice and first produced by Sydney Theatre Company, Wharf Theatre, Sydney, Saturday 26 October 1985, directed by Richard Wherrett and Wayne Harrison.
Revised version first produced by State Theatre Company of South Australia under the title Jonah, The Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre, Saturday 31 August 1991, directed by Neil Armfield.
Folder 1
Synopses, notes, dramaturgical reports, rehearsal schedules, STC notes, call sheets and agreement, 1979-1981
Folder 2
Research material, 1914-1991
Folder 3
Manuscript and annotated carbon and photocopy typescript drafts (incomplete), c. 1982
Folder 4
1st half, manuscript and typescript draft and annotated photocopy typescript draft, 42 p., 1982
Folder 5
Parts 1 and 2, annotated typescript, carbon and photocopy typescript draft with white-out corrections and cut and paste inserts, 1983
Folder 6
Part 1, annotated photocopy typescript with white-out corrections and cut and paste inserts, 58 p., 1983
Folder 7
Part 1, annotated photocopy typescript draft (incomplete), 61 p., 1983
Folder 8
Manuscript, annotated typescript draft with white-out corrections and cut and paste inserts, c. 1983
Folder 9-30
Annotated typescript and photocopy typescript drafts with white-out corrections and cut and paste inserts (incomplete)
Folder 31
Parts 1 and 2, annotated typescript and photocopy typescript draft with white-out corrections and cut and paste inserts, 89 p., 1985
Folder 32
Jonah Jones, annotated photocopy typescript draft, 102 p., 1987
Folder 33
Jonah, State Theatre Company of South Australia's production script, annotated computer typescript, 80 p., 1987
Folder 34
Manuscript and annotated computer typescript draft, c. 1990
Folder 35
Annotated computer typescript draft, 86 p.
Folder 36
Annotated computer typescript draft, 86 p.
Folder 37
Revised dialogue, manuscript and annotated photocopy typescript draft, 98 p., 19/7/19901
Folder 38
Original script to be copied from, computer typescript draft, 99 p.
Folder 39
Flyer, programs, notes, reviews, 1985-1991
2.28, Dame Nellie Melbourne : definitely the last and Definitely not the last : a rock'n'roll fable, 1979-1985
A three part rock'n'roll song cycle. First produced by Magpie Theatre-in-Education group as part of the 1985 Come Out Festival, Elizabeth, South Australia, 29 April 1985, music by Arnold Strahls, directed by Geoffrey Rush. Published by Yackandandah Playscripts, Montmorency, Victoria, 1989.
Folder 1
Synopses (3), Dame Nellie Melbourne : definitely the last, annotated typescript and photocopy typescript drafts (3), 1979
Folder 2-10
Notes, Definitely not the last, annotated typescript, carbon typescript, photocopy typescript drafts, 1979-1985
Folder 11-12
State Theatre Company of South Australia's versions, annotated typescript and photocopy typescript drafts with cut and paste inserts and white-out corrections, 1985
Folder 13
State Theatre Company of South Australia's address list, production schedule, flyer, reviews, cards from the cast, 1985
2.29, Koori radio (1987)
A play in twelve scenes. Devised for Salamanca Theatre Company when Romeril was resident playwright, 1986. First produced as a Theatre-in-education project by Salamanca Theatre Company to High Schools throughout Tasmania in term 2, 1987, directed by David Young.
Folder 1
Agreement, notes, songs, information on Salamanca, program notes, review, 1986-1987
Folder 2-5
Research materials, 1986-1987
Folder 6
Editorial notes, 1987
Folder 7-10
Annotated computer typescript and typescript drafts with cut and paste inserts and white-out corrections, performance assessment forms, 1986-1987
2.30, History of Australia : the musical (1988)
Two-act musical commissioned by Victoria's 150th Anniversary Committee and the Australian Bicentennial Authority, based on Manning Clark's History of Australia (1962-1987); authors Tim Robertson, Don Watson and John Romeril; lyrics by Tim Robertson and Don Watson with John Romeril; script editing by Romeril; music by George Dreyfus, Martin Armiger and Dave King. First produced at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, 10 January 1988, directed by John Bell. Published by Yackandandah Playscripts, Montmorency, Victoria, 1995. B4 size scene order (2), art work and newspaper clippings are located in Series 7.
Folder 1
Sponsorship proposal, scene breakdowns, song and music breakdowns, budget breakdown, personnel and company lists, synopses, telephone list, notes to John Bell, 1984-1988
Folder 2
Romeril's publicity notes, 1984-1988
Folder 3
Research material, reviews, programs, postcard
Folder 4-28
Notes, annotated typescript, computer typescript and photocopy typescript drafts with cut and paste inserts and white-out corrections, 1984-1988
2.31, Top end (1989)
A play in two parts, 29 scenes, originally written in 1979 and revised in 1986. First public reading by the Melbourne Theatre Company, Sunday 4 September 1988, directed by Janis Balodis. First produced by the Melbourne Theatre Company, Russell Street, Melbourne, 30 September 1989, directed by Paul Hampton.
Folder 1-2
Research material, 1975-1989
Folder 3
Synopsis, notes, scene breakdown, rehearsal schedule, 1979-1989
Folder 4-10
Notes and annotated computer typescript and photocopy typescript drafts with cut and paste inserts and white-out corrections, 1984-1989
Folder 11
Program, reviews, flyer, script reports, 1988-1989
2.32, Lost weekend (1989)
A play in thirty scenes, based on a treatment originally devised by Romeril for a television series. First produced by South Australian State Theatre Company, The Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide, August 1989, directed by John Gaden and Ian Watson.
Folder 1
Synopses (2), research material
Folder 2-4
Notes, annotated typescript and photocopy typescript drafts, 1988-1989
Folder 5
State Theatre Company of South Australia photocopy typescript, 1988
Folder 6-7
Post production typescript (2), rehearsal schedule, program notes, reviews, flyer, 1989
2.33, Working out (1991)
A play in fifteen scenes devised for upper secondary level students on the subject of work experience. Commissioned by the Victorian Arts Centre for its Art Ed Program. First produced by the Victorian Arts Centre Art Education Unit at the Fairfax Studio, 1991, directed by David Myles.
Folder 1
Concept, tour schedule, notes, 1991
Folder 2-3
Research materials, 1990-1991
Folder 4-7
Notes, annotated computer typescript and typescript drafts with cut and paste inserts, 1991
Folder 8
Costume and set designs and theatre floor plans, 1991
Folder 9
Teachers' notes, completed performance assessment forms, 1991
2.34, Black cargo (1991)
Two part musical based on John Morrison's short story of the same name; adaptation, words and lyrics by John Romeril, music by Irine Vela. Commissioned in 1990 by Melbourne Workers Theatre. A public reading was held at the Lincoln Hotel in July and the first draft was workshopped in late 1990. First produced by Melbourne Workers Theatre, Anthill Theatre, South Melbourne, 24 May 1991, directed by David Carlin.
Folder 1
Research material, submission to Arts Centre, annotated typescript draft with cut and paste inserts and white-out corrections, 1955-1991
Folder 2-4
Notes and annotated photocopy and computer typescript drafts, 1990-1991
Folder 5
Annotated typescript, photocopy typescript and computer typescript drafts with cut and paste inserts (5), 1990-1991
Folder 6
Part 1, annotated typescript drafts (2), rehearsal schedules, budget, flyer, program, 1990-1991
2.35, Reading boy (1991)
One hour puppet play in seven chapters, devised by Romeril from an idea by Peter J. Wilson for primary school audiences, commissioned by Handspan. First produced by Handspan Theatre, The Space Theatre, Adelaide, during the 1991 Come Out Festival, directed by Peter Wilson.
Folder 1
Notes, synopsis, research material, rehearsal schedules, annotated computer typescript draft (incomplete), 1990-1991
Folder 2-5
Annotated typescript, computer typescript and photocopy typescript drafts with cut and paste inserts and white-out corrections, 1990-1991
Folder 6
Drawing and a copy of Fingerprint, vol. 7, no. 1, May 1991, 1990-1991
2.36, Bring down the house (1992)
Musical by Romeril, music by Irine Vela. First produced by Arena Theatre Company, CUB Malthouse, South Melbourne, 20 May 1992, during the Next Wave Festival, directed by Barbara Ciszewska.
Folder 1
Research material, 1991
Folder 2
Research material, notes, draft contract, early manuscript and annotated typescript drafts prepared for workshop, first draft song lyric, scene order, 1991-1992
Folder 3-4
Annotated typescript and photocopy typescript drafts (6), flyers, 1991-1992
2.37, Miscellaneous Dramas, 1969-1970
This subseries comprises drafts of plays written by Romeril for the Australian Performing Group, including street theatre created for demonstrations, May Day marches, election campaigns, factory tours, restaurants, children and women's liberation groups and workshops. The plays have been devised for specific occasions and when circumstances change either new plays or adaptations are made. The chief aim is to propagandise, to inform, to debate. They are the work of a group, which while anxious to entertain its audiences, are yet more intent on having their audiences absorb the message. Adaptability and a readiness to improvise are key factors to the success of this type of theatre.
Folder 1
Notes, research material and manuscript and typescript drafts of an article on street theatre by Romeril, 1969-1970
Folder 2
Mr Big the big, big pig, 1969
Includes manuscript and annotated typescript drafts
Folder 3
The American independence hour, 1969
Includes manuscript and annotated typescript drafts
Folder 4
Research material, notes and annotated typescript drafts of In a place somewhere else, What happened to realism, Pot and peace miracle show and Dr Karl's kure, 1969-1970
Folder 5
Research material, notes and annotated typescript drafts of This side of socialist transformation, 1969-1970
Folder 6
Research material, notes and annotated typescript drafts of an untitled piece, 1969-1970
Folder 7
Research material, notes and annotated typescript drafts of Women's thing, Unhappy Harvey, Image maker, Happy and Dinga, Monologues, The hayseed's harangue, Death of an agitator, Curtain and The US imperialism show, 1969-1970
2.38, Night of national reconciliation, c. 1980s
A series of political revues devised by various writers including Romeril, Don Watson, Patrick Cook, John Clark and Phil Scott for Max Gillies. Staged at Kinsellas before touring Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne in the early 1980s.
Folder 1-19
Notes, synopsis, research material, song lyrics, budget schedule, manuscript, typescript, carbon and photocopy typescript drafts with ms annotations, white-out corrections and cut and paste inserts, c. 1980s
2.39, Unproduced and/or unfinished dramas, 1970-1989
This subseries comprises research material, notes and drafts of unproduced and/or unfinished plays by Romeril.
Folder 1
'The capture of sound', 1978
Includes research material, notes, annotated typescript and photocopy typescript drafts (2)
Folder 3
'Elvira Vermillion', c. early 1970s
Includes research material, notes, synopsis, song lyrics, manuscript and annotated typescript drafts
Folder 3-4
'Going through', 1988-1989
Includes research material, notes, scene breakdown, annotated typescript draft and typescript draft with cut and paste inserts (2)
Folder 5
'Kelly kartoon', 1975-1977
Includes research material, notes, synopsis, song lyrics, manuscript drafts
Folder 6
'Isabella Kelly', c. early 1970s
Includes research material, notes, synopsis
Folder 7
'My brilliant career', 1970s
Includes annotated typescript draft
Folder 8
'96', c. 1970s
Includes synopses (2)
Folder 9-10
'Rosa', 1972
Includes research material, notes, annotated typescript and carbon typescript drafts
Folder 11
'Tax play', 1977-1978
Includes research material, notes, synopsis
Folder 12
'Town and country', 1985
Includes research material, notes, prospectus, synopses for ten scripts, manuscript drafts
Folder 13
'Xmas play', c. early 1970s
Includes notes, annotated typescript draft
2.40, Carlton rock (1979)
Carlton rock, a song cycle written by Romeril for the suburb of Carlton, Melbourne, designed to be produced in a soft rock cafe.
Folder 1
Research material, manuscript, annotated typescript, carbon and photocopy typescript drafts, 1979
2.41, Untitled dramas
Untitled and undated drafts of two plays written by Romeril.
Folder 1
Manuscript draft, annotated photocopy typescript drafts (2)
Series 3 Radio and Television Dramas, 1972-1989
This series comprises produced, unproduced and unfinished radio and television dramas written by Romeril for adults and children from 1972-1989. Includes notes, research material, synopses, introductory account of the series, scene and character breakdowns, manuscript and typescript drafts. Correspondence relating to this material is included in Series 1, B4 size materials are located in Series 7, audio visual materials are located Series 8, photographs are located in Series 9 and posters are located in Series 10.
3.1, Time for love, 1972-1973
Television series exploring the subject of love and relationships. First produced by the Australian Broadcasting Commission's Drama Department, Melbourne.
Folder 1
The best of mates, carbon typescript synopsis (2), carbon typescript draft (incomplete), writers' notes, 1971-1972
Folder 2
Charlie the Chequer Cab kid, working title 'Good time Charley - the Chequer Cab kid', research material, typescript draft, carbon and photocopy typescript drafts, notes, 1973
3.2, Six of the best, 1981-1982
Television series which explores the life of six adolescents during their first year in the adult world after school. First produced by the ABC Education Department in association with the Transition Education Advisory Committee, Victoria, 1982
Folder 1
Notes, synopses, scene breakdowns, story line notes, script due dates, episodes 7-12, 1981-1982
Folder 2
Notebook, research material, manuscript and annotated typescript drafts with cut and paste inserts and white-out corrections, 1981-1982
Folder 3-22
Synopsis, notes, annotated typescript and roneoed annotated typescript drafts with cut and paste inserts and white-out corrections, 1981-1982
Folder 23
Episode 1, camera script, call sheet, scene breakdown, 1981
Folder 24-25
Episode 2, notes, synopsis, drafts, rehearsal script, 1981
Folder 26
Episode 3, revisions, scene breakdown, camera script, 1981
Folder 27
Episode 4, rehearsal script, camera script, call sheet and recording schedules, 1981
Folder 28
Episode 5, camera script, rehearsal script, scene synopsis, 1981
Folder 29
Episode 6, rehearsal script, scene breakdown, 1981
Folder 30-31
Episode 7, rehearsal script, camera script, taping schedule, 1982
Folder 32
Episode 8, camera script, rehearsal script, call sheet for episodes 7 and 8, 1982
Folder 33
Episode 9, camera script, 1982
Folder 34-35
Episode 10, camera script, cast address list, rehearsal script, 1982
Folder 36
Episode 11, rehearsal script, call sheet, 1982
Folder 37-38
Episode 12, rehearsal script, camera script, 1982
Folder 39
Episode 12, camera scripts (3), Episode 13, call sheet, 1982
3.3, Inside running (1989)
Everything's a hustle, episode 17 of the television series Inside running, written by Romeril and edited by Tony Watts. First produced by the Australian Broadcasting Commission's Drama Department, Melbourne, 1989.
Folder 1
Concept, notes, synopses, copies of other episodes, 1989
Folder 2-3
Research material, 1989
Folder 4
2nd annotated computer typescript draft, 1989
Folder 5
Edited annotated computer typescript draft and notes, 1989
Folder 6
Script amendments, 1989
Folder 7
Final computer typescript and drawings, 1989
3.4, The junior chess champion of N.S.W, n.d.
Half hour radio play produced by the Australian Broadcasting Commission, Sydney on the subject of teenage violence.
Folder 1
Carbon and annotated photocopy typescript drafts
3.5, A nasty little story, n.d.
An unproduced thirty minute television drama for two main characters.
Folder 1
Annotated carbon typescript draft, 18 p.
Series 4 Screenplays, 1975-1986
This series comprises notes, research material, manuscript, typescript, carbon, roneoed and photocopied drafts of produced and unproduced film scripts written or adapted by Romeril. Correspondence relating to this material is included in Series 1, B4 size materials are located in Series 7, audio visual materials are located Series 8, photographs are located in Series 9 and posters are located in Series 10.
4.1, Animals, c. 1975
Unproduced film script about an extended family faced with unemployment.
Folder 1
Notes, synopsis, storyboard cards, annotated typescript draft with white-out corrections (2), c. mid 1970s
4.2, The First Boomerang Church of Herbert, 1978
A feature length comedy film script entered in a New South Wales Film Corporation competition for the best contemporary comedy screenplay, 1978.
Folder 1
Research material, advertisement re competition, 1966-1978
Folder 2
'God tattooed Smith', annotated typescript and annotated roneoed typescript drafts (4), 1978
Folder 3-8
Notes, annotated typescript drafts, assessor's comments, 1978
4.3, The great McCarthy (1975)
Independent feature film adapted from Barry Oakley's novel entitled A salute to the great McCarthy, screenplay by John Romeril, directed by David Baker, produced by Baker and Richard Brennan for Stoney Creek Films, 1974. First released 1975. Alternative title A salute to the great McCarthy.
Folder 1
Synopsis and manuscript, annotated typescript and annotated carbon typescript drafts (incomplete), c. 1974
Folder 2
Manuscript, annotated typescript and annotated carbon typescript drafts (incomplete), c. 1974
Folder 3
Manuscript, annotated typescript and annotated carbon typescript drafts (incomplete), c. 1974
Folder 4
Synopsis and annotated typescript and annotated carbon typescript drafts (incomplete), c. 1974
Folder 5
2nd bound roneoed typescript draft with ms. annotations, 140 p., April 1974
Folder 6
Romeril's copy of annotated typescript, carbon and photocopy typescript draft, 171 p., c. 1974
Folder 7
Final script, annotated roneoed typescript, 271 p., June 1974
Folder 8
Revisions to final script (3rd draft) and crew list, 8/7/1974
4.4, McLuckie, 1974
Unproduced film script prepared by Bill Hannan, Barry Oakley and Romeril, adapted from Barry Oakley's play entitled Beware of imitations. Result of a six-week workshop conducted by the Australian Performing Group, October-November 1974.
Folder 1-4
Notes, research material, budget, typescript, photocopied typescript and roneoed typescript drafts, 1974
4.5, Mr Steam and Dry, 1985-1990
Unproduced feature film based on an idea by Mike Jenkins, screenplay by Romeril and Jenkins.
Folder 1-7
Concept, synopses, writer's note, research material, notes, production cards, annotated typescript, photocopy typescript and computer typescript drafts with cut and paste inserts, 1985-1990
Series 5 Dramaturgy and Treatments, 1987-c. 1990
This series comprises notes, research material, manuscript, typescript, carbon, roneoed and photocopied drafts of treatments and dramaturgical work written by Romeril. Correspondence relating to this material is included in Series 1.
5.1, State of defence (1987)
Two-act play written by Andrew Bovell, dramaturgy by Romeril, directed by Russell Walsh. First play produced by the Melbourne Workers Theatre in workplace venues, June-July 1987. State of defence is part of the Australia Councils' Art and Working Life Program, funded by the Community Arts, Literature, Music and Theatre Boards of the Australia Council and the Victorian Ministry for the Arts.
Folder 1
Notes, annotated photocopy typescript draft, annotated workshop typescript draft, flyer, 1987
5.2, The ballad of Louis Ryan (1988)
Two-act play written by Andrew Bovell, dramaturgy by Romeril, directed by Denis Moore. First produced by the Melbourne Workers Theatre in workplace venues, 1988.
Folder 1
1st annotated photocopy typescript draft, 2nd annotated photocopy typescript draft with cut and paste inserts, 1988
5.3, Electric (1989)
Written by Patricia Cornelius for Junction Theatre Company, lyrics by Romeril, music by Ian Farr.
Folder 1
Annotated typescript and computer typescript drafts of lyrics with cut and paste inserts, 1989
5.4, Farewell welfare (1989)
Romeril assisted a St. Kilda welfare group to produce a play on the subject of schizophrenia, produced at various venues, August 1989.
Folder 1
Research material, synopses, annotated typescript drafts, rehearsal schedule, flyer, 1989
5.5, The firm (1989)
Musical based on the history of J.C. Williamson's, from an idea by Royce Foster and Bill Marshal, treatment by Romeril, adapted from A family of brothers : the Taits and J.C. Williamson : a theatre history, by Viola Tait.
Folder 1
Research material, notes, annotated typescript drafts, 1989
5.6, Greening, c. 1992
Sketches by Romeril relating to the greening of Swanston Street, Melbourne.
Folder 1
Notes, annotated typescript drafts, c. 1992
Including 'Swanston Street : the rough, the smooth the everyday', 'Tinkit', 'Aborigine', 'Glass of water near at hand', 'Muesli', 'The audience comes upon an unaware actor' and 'The opening prayer'
5.7, The imposter (1987)
Play by Sha Yexin, Li Shoucheng and Yao Mingde, from the Shanghai People's Theatre, translated by Daniel Kane, dramaturgy by Romeril. First performed by Playbox Theatre Company and Melbourne Spoleto Festival, St. Martins Theatre 1, 11 September 1987, directed by Geoff Hooke.
Folder 1-4
Notes, photocopy of Kane's translation, annotated typescript prelude, scene and character breakdowns, annotated typescript and photocopy typescript drafts with cut and paste inserts, contact list, rehearsal schedules and flyer, 1987
5.8, The Safcol story, c. 1980s
Benefit theatre piece devised by the Oz-Latin band Mambo-ologists, dramaturgy by Romeril.
Folder 1
Draft, notes, c. 1980s
5.9, They will never believe you, n.d.
Treatment of They will never believe you, by Romeril.
Folder 1
Annotated photocopy typescript draft, 36 p.
Series 6 Other Prose
This series comprises notes, manuscript and typescript drafts of unpublished short stories and one novel by Romeril.
Folder 1
Short stories
Including notes and annotated carbon and photocopy typescript drafts of The floating hamburger, Atheist at the altar, and untitled short story
Folder 2
Manuscript, typescript and photocopy typescript drafts of an untitled novel
Series 7 Miscellaneous Papers, c. 1960s-1993
This series comprises material relating to the Australian Performing Group, copies and cuttings of various newspaper articles, material and scripts by other people, biographical information, theatre programs, newsletters, pamphlets and other papers. Correspondence relating to this material is included in Series 1, research and drafts are located in Series 2 and Series 3, audio visual materials are located Series 8, photographs are located in Series 9 and posters are located in Series 10.
Folder 1-3
Material relating to the Australian Performing Group, 1969-1981
Including copies of ideas and outlines for dramas, press releases, newsletters, minutes, budgets and copies of correspondence relating to meetings and reports written by Romeril
Folder 4-5
Material and scripts sent to Romeril
Folder 6
Theatre programs
Folder 7-8
Newsletters and pamphlets, 1970-1987
Folder 9
Melbourne Writers' Theatre newsletters and minutes, 1983-1984
Folder 10
University exercise books, c. 1960s
Folder 11
Biographical material relating to Romeril, includes interviews, two typescript copies of Marvellous Melbourne (lyrics only, not score), typescript reference by Romeril
Folder 12-13
Material collected whilst Writer-in-residence at the National University of Singapore, 1987
Including notebook, magazines, brochures, receipts and newspaper clippings
Box-folder 14
History of Australia : the musical B4 size scene orders (2), newspaper clipping of reviews, stencil for pamphlet, A3 size photocopies of articles, 1988
Box-folder 15
Newspapers containing articles used for Koori radio and Legends, copies of floor plans, designs and working drawings of Working out, B4 size scene order for first half of Black cargo, 1985-1991
Box-folder 16-17
Newspapers and articles collected by Romeril, c. 1970-1990
Series 8 Audio Visual, 1970-1985
This small series comprises one record and audio cassettes relating to Romeril's dramas and musicals. Correspondence and papers relating to this series are located in Series 1, Series 7, Series 8 and Series 10.
Folder 1
200 years: Shell talking map and 33-1/3 r.p.m. record entitled The first voyage : a re-discovery of Australia with Captain James Cook, 1970
Folder 2
Audio cassette of Castlemaine rock, 1976
Folder 3
Audio cassette of Jane Hammond demo tape, 20 June 1989
Folder 4
Audio cassette of meeting regarding the drama Legends, 1985
Folder 5
Audio cassette of 'Kelly kartoon' interview with Alec Brierly, 1975-1977
Folder 6
Audio cassette tapes (3) of The dud war, produced at University of Newcastle, 1979
Series 9 Photographs, 1942-1987
This series comprises black and white and colour photographs used for publicity purposes and photographs relating to theatre productions written by Romeril. Correspondence and papers relating to the photographs are located in Series 1, Series 7, Series 8, Series 9 and Series 10.
Box-folder 1
Slides of woodblock prints by Walter Pidgeon taken from The Eureka stockade : the consequence of some pirates wanting on quarter-deck a rebellion, by Carboni Raffaello, with an introduction by Herbert V. Evatt, illustrated by W. E. Pidgeon (1942)
Black and white photographs of cast from Carboni
Black and white photographs of cast from The dud war, includes lists of cast applicants with photographs
Colour photographs from Kelly dance
Negatives of slides of Golden Holden, 1970
Box-folder 2
Slides of Rosa
Black and white and colour photographs of casts from:
Legends;
Koori radio
Photographs and negatives of Jonah
John Romeril
Unidentified photographs
Colour photographs taken in Tasmania
John Phillips
Ron Evans
Negatives of John Romeril transferred from office file
Negatives of Definitely not the last, 1972-1987
Series 10 Posters, 1985-1992
This small series comprises posters advertising theatre productions, flyers and a card.
Oversize 1
Theatre posters
Including A night in Rio and other bummerz, Bring the house down, Jonah Jones, Jonah, Koori radio, Legends, Lonely hearts club band, Mrs. Thally F., Night of national reconciliation, Samizdat, La Mama Company, Handspan Theatre touring 91 & 92, Melbourne Workers Theatre bulletin, Mill night, Deakin University and a card from the cast of The three Musketeers