Fountains Beyond

1954

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Fountains Beyond

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Ballarat National Theatre advises readers that this record contains content that modern audiences may comprehend as offensive, and reflect the social perspectives of the time they were created. Any views that do not align with the inclusivity outlined in our Vision & Mission are not representative of BNT. In order to prevent further perpetuation of harm, we have opted to filter the most sensitive media from public access. For enquiries regarding full access to this collection, please contact us directly.

About Fountains Beyond

Fountains Beyond is a 1942 Australian stage play by George Landen Dann. It is his best known work.

It was a rare play at the time to address the issues of Aboriginal Australians. In 1942 Leslie Rees called it Dann's "best work so far."

The play was adapted for radio in 1942, 1954 and 1957. It was published in book form in 1944. The play was revived in 2000

English travel writer Miss Gertrude Harnett has arrives in the small Queensland town of Kooreelba. Mayoral candidate Mr Watson, organises an Aboriginal corroboree in her honour. All money raised is to go towards a new children’s playground to be built in the adjacent Aboriginal settlement. The development is part of the politician's plan to expand the town and further disposes the traditional land owners.

Vic Filmer, a spokesperson of the Aboriginal community, leads the battle against the development. In doing so he accidentally shoots his wife.