AustLit
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This exhibition explores the evolution and performance history of the 'The First Joanna'. As visitors to the exhibition, take a moment to learn more about the woman behind the story and the production itself. The stage play was discovered by none other than the Director of AustLit, Kerry Kilner, through the theatre archives located at UQ's very own Fryer Library.
Dorothy Blewett (1898-1965) being an unfamiliar yet powerful Australian author wrote 'The First Joanna' more than 50 years ago. The modern day revival by UQ's drama students for the 50th Anniversary of the Dramatic Arts department makes it an extremely memorable occasion.
Many sources of information, images and original transcripts were obtained by Kerry Kilner when she visited the family of Dorothy earlier this year. A heartfelt thank you is extended to Dorothy's nephew, Michael Rice, and her nieces, Prue Molner and Jill Harris, for allowing us access to their aunt's archives and their ongoing support of the production.
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In my internship I found great interest in uncovering why a powerful play from the 1950s can still generate interest in 2016. From my research I discovered Dorothy was a gifted writer, having authored other texts with strong characters which can be identified with by readers both in the 1950s or the year of the 2000s.
Throughout my internship I researched the print, performance of, and public sentiment towards, 'The First Joanna'. Using the AustLit database, Trove (National Library of Australia) and newly acquired material, I discovered 'The First Joanna' to be a successful play of the late 1940s and 1950s with positive opinion towards both the play and Dorothy Blewett herself.
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To keep track of 'The First Joanna', follow @AustLit and the hashtag #AustLitDrama for updates and fascinating finds.
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