Maritime Union of Australia
Go to advanced search 
Advanced Search
homesitemapsitemapsubscribedisclaimer


Home

About Us

Join

News

Campaigns

Events

Delegates Toolkit

Women at Work

Links

MUA Elections

MUA Industries

Shipping
Stevedoring
Port Services
Hydrocarbons
Diving

Maritime Workers Journal
Jul-Aug 2008
Subscribe

Contact us

Mining and Maritime
Days Gone By
MUA Members
The Environment
War on the Waterfront
EAS Employment system

about the mua
www.mua.org.au/hydrocarbons/

Defiance: Political Theatre in Brisbane 1930-1962, by Connie Healy

They were young and serious about changing the world. They believed in popular culture. They loved theatre. They stood in support of workers' struggles, denounced the rise of fascism and all forms of social injustices. They were the New Theatres of Australia.

Author Connie Healy has revived in the nick of time a significant piece of the New Theatre history. Her book, Defiance, presents in detail the dedicated work of Brisbane's New Theatre groups. After tracing both the rebellious streak, which runs through Australian culture and the rise of the modern political theatre worldwide, she introduces the actors, stage managers and artists involved; the social and political circumstances of the performances are explained and synopses or thematic characterisation of the plays produced are given.

People who had been active in the theatres were interviewed and large extracts of their recollections are included.

Between 1930 and 1962, despite censorship and intimidation, the new Theatre s were the most vital sector of theatrical activity.

But above all, Healy's book is a history of the ways working men and women acted to promote political change.

Defiance is of particular interest to maritime workers as author Connie Healy worked at the union rooms in Brisbane and was married to Mick Healy, wharfie, member of the branch executive and secretary of the Queensland Trades and Labour Council.

Defiance is a highly readable book, abundantly illustrated and full of precious facts and anecdotes. A 8Cmust read' not only for students and researchers of our theatrical history but also for all those who take pride in our democratic traditions. Defiance is meticulously researched, well written and fascinating reading.

Published by Boombana Publications, 2000 was launched by the Hon. Matt Foley, Attorney General, and Minister for Justice and the Arts, at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex in May 2000. Available through Boombana Publications email: j.lacherez@uq.net.au

Other Bookworms articles:

About Us index


Return to MUA Home Social Change Online ACTU   LaborNET   Workers Online   International Transport Workers Federation

 This page: http://mua.org.au/aboutus/healy.html
 Last Modified: Tuesday, 15-Nov-2005 19:33:12 EST

 Site proudly designed and engineered by Social Change Online

 © 2001 Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
 365 Sussex Street, Sydney. 2000
 Tel: (02) 9267 9134 Fax: (0) 92613481