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AbstractHistoryArchive Description
Play with music.
A blend of biography, song, poetry, story and dialogue Earthly Paradise tells the story of the life of writer Lesbia Harford, a passionate and idealist rebel and one of Melbourne University's first female law graduates. Inspired by socialism she denied her wealthy background to fight for a just and vital society, initially working in a clothing factory and later becoming a trade union organiser.
The play contains both solo and chorus singing, and some instrumental music (scored for grand piano, synthesiser, percussion and viola). The two musicians are seen on stage in silhouette or half light.
The lyrics for these songs are derived from The Poems of Lesbia Harford (1941 & 1985).
Production Details
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First produced by Playbox Theatre Company at the Beckett Theatre, Melbourne on 8 June. Director/Designer Darryl Emmerson. The music for this production was composed by Natasha Mosenin (q.v.).
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Works about this Work
-
Fighter for Women's Rights
1991
single work
criticism
biography
— Appears in: The Age , 5 June 1991; (p. 14) -
'Earthly Paradise' is a Poor Cousin to its Predecessor
1991
single work
review
— Appears in: The Age , 11 June 1991; (p. 16)
— Review of Earthly Paradise 1991 single work drama -
Musical Paradise, But the Characters Lack Passion
1991
single work
review
— Appears in: The Sunday Age , 16 June 1991; (p. Agenda 8)
— Review of Earthly Paradise 1991 single work drama -
Celebration of a Life, Not a Talent
1991
single work
correspondence
— Appears in: The Age , 19 June 1991; (p. 12) -
Faith Betrayed
1991
single work
review
— Appears in: The Bulletin , 2 July vol. 113 no. 5776 1991; (p. 94,96)
— Review of Earthly Paradise 1991 single work drama
-
Musical Paradise, But the Characters Lack Passion
1991
single work
review
— Appears in: The Sunday Age , 16 June 1991; (p. Agenda 8)
— Review of Earthly Paradise 1991 single work drama -
'Earthly Paradise' is a Poor Cousin to its Predecessor
1991
single work
review
— Appears in: The Age , 11 June 1991; (p. 16)
— Review of Earthly Paradise 1991 single work drama -
Melancholy Portrait of an Early Feminism
1991
single work
review
— Appears in: The Australian Jewish News , 14 June vol. 57 no. 38 1991; (p. 38)
— Review of Earthly Paradise 1991 single work drama -
An Original Talent Drowned in Cliche
1991
single work
review
— Appears in: The Australian , 11 June 1991; (p. 9)
— Review of Earthly Paradise 1991 single work drama -
Faith Betrayed
1991
single work
review
— Appears in: The Bulletin , 2 July vol. 113 no. 5776 1991; (p. 94,96)
— Review of Earthly Paradise 1991 single work drama -
Celebration of a Life, Not a Talent
1991
single work
correspondence
— Appears in: The Age , 19 June 1991; (p. 12) -
Fighter for Women's Rights
1991
single work
criticism
biography
— Appears in: The Age , 5 June 1991; (p. 14)