The Secret River enhanced ebook brings together the full play text of this theatrical masterpiece with an audio tour of the script with the playwright, Andrew Bovell, images from the Sydney Theatre Companys 2013 production, sociocultural analysis of the work and extensive teachers notes. The result is a curated experience of the play as a whole: on stage, behind the scenes and in production.
The Secret River: the play
The Secret River shines a light on a critical moment of Australian history. It tells the story of William Thornhill, born into brutal poverty in London in the late 18th century and transported to the Colony of New South Wales for theft in 1806. After earning his freedom he brings his wife, Sal, and their children up from Sydney Cove to the Hawkesbury where they ‘take up’ 100 acres of land on the banks of the river. He falls in love with it and dares to dream that one day it might be his, only to discover that it’s not his to take: it’s owned and occupied by the Dharug people. And as Thornhill’s attachment to this place, and his dream of a better future, begins to deepen he is driven to make a choice that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
The Secret River enhanced ebook features:
- The full play script
- Andrew Bovell takes you on a tour of the work - 26 audio grabs are embedded throughout the script
- Andrew Bovell introduces 11 of the characters
- 9 photos from the Sydney Theatre Company production in 2013
Wesley Enochs response to the play, ‘Still Waters’, offering critical analysis and personal reflections
- Teachers’ notes