Drought and Other Plays by Millicent Armstrong – 

is coming soon to Yass, Cobargo, Merimbula and Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa, as part of Floriade 2023.

Let us introduce you to the dramatic output of an amazing person – Millicent Armstrong – university educated, who lived in the Gunning/Goulburn region after her nursing service in WW1 in France, running a soldier settler farm, while writing astoundingly good short plays. 

Two of the plays you’ll see in this production reflect the realities of rural life – Drought, a tragedy set during the Federation drought, and At Dusk, centred on sexual violence. Then there is Thomas, a superbly constructed domestic comedy, truly laugh out loud funny; and the dark melodrama, Penny Dreadful, a drawingroom thriller. 

Please click on the below venue name for the correct location link to 123tix to book for this one-off event in each of the following places:  

Yass Memorial Hall – Fri 22 Sept at 7.30pm (supported by Yass Valley Council)

Cobargo School of Arts – Sat 23 Sept at 2pm (followed by an arvo tea)

The Twyford, Merimbula – Sat 23 Sept at 7.30pm (refreshments available)

Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa – Sun 24 Sept at 4pm (as part of Floriade)

To celebrate introducing an important figure from our regional cultural history to a wider audience, we have created a student ticket price for the performance at Lanyon. Minimum group booking = 5 tix. It is for students in year 10, 11, 12, pre-tertiary and university level, including their educator, if relevant. 

We’ve worked hard to bring Millicent’s writing to a contemporary audience. Whether you live and work in rural Australia, or lead an urban life, you’ll find a rich storytelling craft in these almost forgotten plays, revealing a deep understanding of, and empathy for, human nature. This is a pared-back and intimate production, accompanied by a stunning cinematic soundtrack, with six wonderful actors taking you on a journey through four very different plays.

Audience feedback to our October 2022 shows:

“We enjoyed each of the plays and were impressed by how quickly the cast was able to transport the audience into each story, given that the plays were so short. This was enhanced by the atmospheric sounds and music, that really helped fire the audiences’ imagination. The final play “Drought” was particularly poignant, and for people like us, who have lived and worked all their lives on the land, it was extremely powerful and very moving. The difficult subject matter was handled with great sensitivity, but with maximum impact.”

“The pared back production style encouraged a deeper concentration on the fabulous scripts. Brilliantly executed and emotionally charged.”

“Armstrong certainly had a great insight into the issues of her time, and the mix of drama, tragedy and humour in the plays you selected was wonderful and so professionally presented by the whole acting cast.” 

“In the play “Drought”, we were presented with a powerful tragedy with a farmer as the central character. The play moved me and my companions deeply and has stayed with me for months.”

“The cast gave authentic voice to this amazing Australian storyteller.”

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Support for this tour has been received from the ACT Government through ArtsACT, from Yass Valley Council towards our performance in Yass, and from the donors to our Australian Cultural Fund campaign. 

ACT Historic Houses at Lanyon Homestead are presenting the show as part of Floriade 2023.

Please be aware the show is not suitable for children or babes in arms. Strictly 15 and over, due to the content.