Our Country's Good
Encyclopedia
Our Country's Good is a 1988 play written by British playwright, Timberlake Wertenbaker
, adapted from the Thomas Keneally
novel The Playmaker
. The story concerns a group of Royal Marines
and convicts
in a penal colony
in New South Wales
, in the 1780s, who put on a production of The Recruiting Officer
. First staged at the Royal Court Theatre
, London, on 10 September 1988, directed by Max Stafford-Clark
. It ran on Broadway in 1991.
and Royal Marines
were sent to Australia as part of the first penal colony
there. The play shows the class system in the convict camp and discusses themes such as sexuality, punishment, the Georgian
judicial system, and the idea that that it is possible for ‘theatre to be a humanising force'.
As part of their research, Stafford-Clark and Wertenbaker went to see a play performed by convicts at Wormwood Scrubs
, which proved very inspiring: "in prison conditions, theatre can be hugely heartening and influential and indeed in prison your options are so limited you can become a born-again Christian, a gym-queen constantly working out, a bird watcher or you become passionate about theatre." The convicts were, at least momentarily, civilized human beings, and they had taken their work very seriously: The convicts knew their lines absolutely because they had nothing else to do and they didn't want to waste time with pleasantries; as soon as you came into the room they started rehearsing. The two hours were very intense because the time was so valuable and we saw immediately how doing a play could become absolutely absorbing if you were incarcerated.
Most of the characters in the play are based on real people who sailed with the First Fleet
, though some have had their names changed. Wertenbaker was able to read the journals of First Fleet members in order to portray them accurately.
Shortly after the First Fleet arrives in Australia
, Governor Arthur Phillip is disappointed with the colony's state of affairs. While hunting with Captains Tench and Collins and Midshipman Harry Brewer, Phillip mentions that the convicts could put on a play to encourage unity. Harry relays this suggestion to Second Lieutenant
Ralph Clark, his only friend. A convict-produced play, Ralph believes, could be a way for him to gain the attention of Governor Phillip. During their meeting he tells Ralph that he has seen the ghost of Handy Baker, a man he personally hanged and who was the lover of Duckling, a convict, whom Harry covets.
Ralph decides to direct George Farquhar
's restoration comedy
The Recruiting Officer
. He auditions several convicts, including Mary Brenham, her friend Dabby Bryant, the flamboyant pickpocket Robert Sideway, and the violent Liz Morden before Major Robbie Ross discovers Ralph's plan and denounces it at a meeting of the military officers. The group debates the merits of theatre, ending with many against the idea of the convicts being in a play. Nonetheless, with Governor Phillip's sanction, rehearsals continue. Harry reluctantly allows Duckling to be in Ralph's play, and during a line rehearsal between the women in the cast, a fight erupts between Dabby Bryant and Liz Morden. They are interrupted and separated by James Freeman, a young convict whom the women hate and call "Ketch
." Ketch turns to Ralph for comfort, insisting that he is innocent for the crime for which he was sent to Australia (killing a scab
dockworker) and begging Ralph for a part in the play; Ralph relents.
At the first rehearsal, several actors are missing. While the cast rehearses, Caesar—one of the missing actors—rushes in. Major Ross and Campbell arrive shortly thereafter and arrest him, explaining that he was, along with Wisehammer and Arscott, involved in an organized theft from the food stores and attempted escape. Liz Morden is also arrested on suspicion. Major Ross personally insults Ralph before taking what amounts to half of Ralph's cast into custody.
In jail, Liz, Wisehammer, Caesar, and Arscott argue about the futility of life before they are visited by the rest of the cast. Despite four of them being in chains, they rehearse. Harry Brewer, meanwhile, grows increasingly insane, tormented by what he believes are the ghosts of Handy Baker and Thomas Barrett, a young man Harry also hanged. Harry speaks in their voices before screaming for Duckling to help. When she arrives, she comforts Harry only to have him accuse her of sleeping with Handy's ghost on the beach.
Ralph's hope dissipates. A meeting with Governor Phillip assures him that the play is not only just but integral to the colony's future. Major Ross interrupts their second rehearsal. Ralph tries to get Ross to leave, causing Ross to cruelly embarrass Robert Sideway, Dabby Bryant, and Mary Brenham. Ross orders Mary to show an embarrassing tattoo until Sideway gets her to continue rehearsing to appease Ross. Major Ross reacts by ordering Captain Campbell to flog John Arscott next to the rehearsal space, where Arscott's cries are plainly audible.
Because Liz Morden refuses to speak to the officers to defend herself, she has been sentenced to death. Ketch initially refuses to measure her for hanging but reluctantly bows to Harry Brewer's orders, eventually confessing his love for Liz as Harry hears the ghost of Thomas Barrett. Ketch pleads for Liz to confess (as this may save her life). Liz tells a lucid Harry that she never stole any food, but then Harry suddenly becomes violently dissociative
and torments himself in Thomas's voice before screaming and falling to the ground. Harry's episode and Liz Morden's imminent execution put the cast on edge: Sideway refuses to attend rehearsal; Duckling is barred from visiting Harry, who is unconscious; a squabble between Dabby Bryant and John Arscott causes a rehearsal to end in chaos. Around this time, Ralph acknowledges his feelings for Mary Brenham; with Mary dressed in her male costume and reciting her lines, they kiss and undress for each other.
At Harry's bedside, Duckling promises to always love him if he survives, only to discover he has just died. Shortly afterward, the officers convene to discuss the question of Liz: with Ketch having told of Liz's confession to the now-deceased Harry, Ralph and Captain Collins believe Liz innocent, while Ross refuses to accept the word of a convict over that of the officer who testified he saw Liz steal. Liz herself is eventually brought in and, after a long silence, finally says that she did not steal and merely knew about the robbery. As failure to report is not a hangable offense, Liz is saved and Collins orders a retrial.
Backstage on the night of The Recruiting Officers premiere, each of the actors expresses optimism for the future. Dabby Bryant reveals that she plans to escape by boat later that night. Wisehammer presents a controversial prologue he has written for the play. Though titillated by the prologue, Ralph insists that they not make enemies on the first night. The play ends as Arscott delivers the opening monologue to thunderous applause.
and Edexcel
as a set text for Advanced Level
Theatre Studies and as a set text to use in comparison essays for GCE
. It has also been used in universities' performing arts and English departments. It has been performed across Europe as part of GCE candidates' final performances. It is also used at AS level in English Literature studies, as well as a set text in the OIB administered by CIE
and is also commonly used in English speaking English Literature classes for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
, London, on 10 September 1988, directed by Max Stafford-Clark
. The production starred David Haig
as Ralph Clark, Jim Broadbent
as Harry Brewer, John Arscott and Captain Campbell, Linda Bassett
as Lieutenant Will Dawes and Liz Morden, and Ron Cook
as Captain Arthur Phillip and John Wisehammer.
Our Country's Good premiered on Broadway
at the Nederlander Theatre
on April 29, 1991 and closed on June 8, 1991 after 12 previews and 48 performances. Directed by Mark Lamos
, the cast featured Cherry Jones
(Reverend Johnson), Peter Frechette
(2nd Lieutenant Ralph Clark), Tracey Ellis (Lieutenant George Johnston), Amelia Campbell
(Lieutenant Will Dawes, Duckling Smith, Meg Long) and J. Smith-Cameron
(2nd Lieutenant William Faddy).
The play was performed at the Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre
, directed by Caroline Hall and featuring Louise Gold
as Lieutenant Will Dawes and Liz Morden. It was also presented at the Liverpool Playhouse
in 2007. Among the cast members was Charlie Brooks
. The actors also provided a workshop
for real life convicts in Walton Prison
.
1991 Tony Award
1991 New York Drama Critics' Circle
Award
Drama Desk Award
Timberlake Wertenbaker
- Biography :Wertenbaker grew up in the Basque Country of France near Saint-Jean-de-Luz. She attended schools in Europe and the US before settling permanently in London...
, adapted from the Thomas Keneally
Thomas Keneally
Thomas Michael Keneally, AO is an Australian novelist, playwright and author of non-fiction. He is best known for writing Schindler's Ark, the Booker Prize-winning novel of 1982 which was inspired by the efforts of Poldek Pfefferberg, a Holocaust survivor...
novel The Playmaker
The Playmaker
The Playmaker is a novel based in Australia written by the Australian author Thomas Keneally.In 1789 in Sydney Cove, the remotest penal colony of the British Empire, a group of convicts and one of their captors unite to stage a play...
. The story concerns a group of Royal Marines
Royal Marines
The Corps of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, commonly just referred to as the Royal Marines , are the marine corps and amphibious infantry of the United Kingdom and, along with the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, form the Naval Service...
and convicts
Convictism in Australia
During the late 18th and 19th centuries, large numbers of convicts were transported to the various Australian penal colonies by the British government. One of the primary reasons for the British settlement of Australia was the establishment of a penal colony to alleviate pressure on their...
in a penal colony
Penal colony
A penal colony is a settlement used to exile prisoners and separate them from the general populace by placing them in a remote location, often an island or distant colonial territory...
in New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, in the 1780s, who put on a production of The Recruiting Officer
The Recruiting Officer
The Recruiting Officer is a 1706 play by the Irish writer George Farquhar, which follows the social and sexual exploits of two officers, the womanising Plume and the cowardly Brazen, in the town of Shrewsbury to recruit soldiers...
. First staged at the Royal Court Theatre
Royal Court Theatre
The Royal Court Theatre is a non-commercial theatre on Sloane Square, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It is noted for its contributions to modern theatre...
, London, on 10 September 1988, directed by Max Stafford-Clark
Max Stafford-Clark
Maxwell Robert Guthrie Stewart Stafford-Clark is an English Theatre Director.-Life and career:He went to school at Felsted and Riverdale Country School in New York City. He has worked as a theatre director since he left Trinity College, Dublin.His directing career began as associate director of...
. It ran on Broadway in 1991.
Background
In the 1780s, convictsConvictism in Australia
During the late 18th and 19th centuries, large numbers of convicts were transported to the various Australian penal colonies by the British government. One of the primary reasons for the British settlement of Australia was the establishment of a penal colony to alleviate pressure on their...
and Royal Marines
Royal Marines
The Corps of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, commonly just referred to as the Royal Marines , are the marine corps and amphibious infantry of the United Kingdom and, along with the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, form the Naval Service...
were sent to Australia as part of the first penal colony
Penal colony
A penal colony is a settlement used to exile prisoners and separate them from the general populace by placing them in a remote location, often an island or distant colonial territory...
there. The play shows the class system in the convict camp and discusses themes such as sexuality, punishment, the Georgian
Georgian era
The Georgian era is a period of British history which takes its name from, and is normally defined as spanning the reigns of, the first four Hanoverian kings of Great Britain : George I, George II, George III and George IV...
judicial system, and the idea that that it is possible for ‘theatre to be a humanising force'.
As part of their research, Stafford-Clark and Wertenbaker went to see a play performed by convicts at Wormwood Scrubs
Wormwood Scrubs (HM Prison)
HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs is a Category B men's prison, located in the Wormwood Scrubs area of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, in inner west London, England. The prison is operated by Her Majesty's Prison Service....
, which proved very inspiring: "in prison conditions, theatre can be hugely heartening and influential and indeed in prison your options are so limited you can become a born-again Christian, a gym-queen constantly working out, a bird watcher or you become passionate about theatre." The convicts were, at least momentarily, civilized human beings, and they had taken their work very seriously: The convicts knew their lines absolutely because they had nothing else to do and they didn't want to waste time with pleasantries; as soon as you came into the room they started rehearsing. The two hours were very intense because the time was so valuable and we saw immediately how doing a play could become absolutely absorbing if you were incarcerated.
Most of the characters in the play are based on real people who sailed with the First Fleet
First Fleet
The First Fleet is the name given to the eleven ships which sailed from Great Britain on 13 May 1787 with about 1,487 people, including 778 convicts , to establish the first European colony in Australia, in the region which Captain Cook had named New South Wales. The fleet was led by Captain ...
, though some have had their names changed. Wertenbaker was able to read the journals of First Fleet members in order to portray them accurately.
Synopsis
The action is sometimes interrupted by short speeches from an unnamed Aboriginal Australian, who charts the British settlement's effect on the indigenous populations. He reacts with curiosity, confusion, and finally fear.Shortly after the First Fleet arrives in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, Governor Arthur Phillip is disappointed with the colony's state of affairs. While hunting with Captains Tench and Collins and Midshipman Harry Brewer, Phillip mentions that the convicts could put on a play to encourage unity. Harry relays this suggestion to Second Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
Second lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces.- United Kingdom and Commonwealth :The rank second lieutenant was introduced throughout the British Army in 1871 to replace the rank of ensign , although it had long been used in the Royal Artillery, Royal...
Ralph Clark, his only friend. A convict-produced play, Ralph believes, could be a way for him to gain the attention of Governor Phillip. During their meeting he tells Ralph that he has seen the ghost of Handy Baker, a man he personally hanged and who was the lover of Duckling, a convict, whom Harry covets.
Ralph decides to direct George Farquhar
George Farquhar
George Farquhar was an Irish dramatist. He is noted for his contributions to late Restoration comedy, particularly for his plays The Recruiting Officer and The Beaux' Stratagem .-Early life:...
's restoration comedy
Restoration comedy
Restoration comedy refers to English comedies written and performed in the Restoration period from 1660 to 1710. After public stage performances had been banned for 18 years by the Puritan regime, the re-opening of the theatres in 1660 signalled a renaissance of English drama...
The Recruiting Officer
The Recruiting Officer
The Recruiting Officer is a 1706 play by the Irish writer George Farquhar, which follows the social and sexual exploits of two officers, the womanising Plume and the cowardly Brazen, in the town of Shrewsbury to recruit soldiers...
. He auditions several convicts, including Mary Brenham, her friend Dabby Bryant, the flamboyant pickpocket Robert Sideway, and the violent Liz Morden before Major Robbie Ross discovers Ralph's plan and denounces it at a meeting of the military officers. The group debates the merits of theatre, ending with many against the idea of the convicts being in a play. Nonetheless, with Governor Phillip's sanction, rehearsals continue. Harry reluctantly allows Duckling to be in Ralph's play, and during a line rehearsal between the women in the cast, a fight erupts between Dabby Bryant and Liz Morden. They are interrupted and separated by James Freeman, a young convict whom the women hate and call "Ketch
Jack Ketch
John Ketch was an infamous English executioner employed by King Charles II. An immigrant of Irish extraction, he became famous through the way he performed his duties during the tumults of the 1680s, when he was often mentioned in broadsheet accounts that circulated throughout the Kingdom of...
." Ketch turns to Ralph for comfort, insisting that he is innocent for the crime for which he was sent to Australia (killing a scab
Strikebreaker
A strikebreaker is a person who works despite an ongoing strike. Strikebreakers are usually individuals who are not employed by the company prior to the trade union dispute, but rather hired prior to or during the strike to keep the organisation running...
dockworker) and begging Ralph for a part in the play; Ralph relents.
At the first rehearsal, several actors are missing. While the cast rehearses, Caesar—one of the missing actors—rushes in. Major Ross and Campbell arrive shortly thereafter and arrest him, explaining that he was, along with Wisehammer and Arscott, involved in an organized theft from the food stores and attempted escape. Liz Morden is also arrested on suspicion. Major Ross personally insults Ralph before taking what amounts to half of Ralph's cast into custody.
In jail, Liz, Wisehammer, Caesar, and Arscott argue about the futility of life before they are visited by the rest of the cast. Despite four of them being in chains, they rehearse. Harry Brewer, meanwhile, grows increasingly insane, tormented by what he believes are the ghosts of Handy Baker and Thomas Barrett, a young man Harry also hanged. Harry speaks in their voices before screaming for Duckling to help. When she arrives, she comforts Harry only to have him accuse her of sleeping with Handy's ghost on the beach.
Ralph's hope dissipates. A meeting with Governor Phillip assures him that the play is not only just but integral to the colony's future. Major Ross interrupts their second rehearsal. Ralph tries to get Ross to leave, causing Ross to cruelly embarrass Robert Sideway, Dabby Bryant, and Mary Brenham. Ross orders Mary to show an embarrassing tattoo until Sideway gets her to continue rehearsing to appease Ross. Major Ross reacts by ordering Captain Campbell to flog John Arscott next to the rehearsal space, where Arscott's cries are plainly audible.
Because Liz Morden refuses to speak to the officers to defend herself, she has been sentenced to death. Ketch initially refuses to measure her for hanging but reluctantly bows to Harry Brewer's orders, eventually confessing his love for Liz as Harry hears the ghost of Thomas Barrett. Ketch pleads for Liz to confess (as this may save her life). Liz tells a lucid Harry that she never stole any food, but then Harry suddenly becomes violently dissociative
Dissociative identity disorder
Dissociative identity disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis and describes a condition in which a person displays multiple distinct identities , each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the environment....
and torments himself in Thomas's voice before screaming and falling to the ground. Harry's episode and Liz Morden's imminent execution put the cast on edge: Sideway refuses to attend rehearsal; Duckling is barred from visiting Harry, who is unconscious; a squabble between Dabby Bryant and John Arscott causes a rehearsal to end in chaos. Around this time, Ralph acknowledges his feelings for Mary Brenham; with Mary dressed in her male costume and reciting her lines, they kiss and undress for each other.
At Harry's bedside, Duckling promises to always love him if he survives, only to discover he has just died. Shortly afterward, the officers convene to discuss the question of Liz: with Ketch having told of Liz's confession to the now-deceased Harry, Ralph and Captain Collins believe Liz innocent, while Ross refuses to accept the word of a convict over that of the officer who testified he saw Liz steal. Liz herself is eventually brought in and, after a long silence, finally says that she did not steal and merely knew about the robbery. As failure to report is not a hangable offense, Liz is saved and Collins orders a retrial.
Backstage on the night of The Recruiting Officers premiere, each of the actors expresses optimism for the future. Dabby Bryant reveals that she plans to escape by boat later that night. Wisehammer presents a controversial prologue he has written for the play. Though titillated by the prologue, Ralph insists that they not make enemies on the first night. The play ends as Arscott delivers the opening monologue to thunderous applause.
Characters
- Captain Arthur Phillip, RN
- Major Robbie Ross, RM
- Captain David Collins, RM (Advocate General)
- Captain Watkin Tench, RM
- Captain Jemmy Campbell, RM
- Reverend Johnson
- Lieutenant George Johnston, RM
- Lieutenant Will Dawes, RM
- Second Lieutenant Ralph Clark, RM
- Second Lieutenant William Faddy, RM
- Midshipman Harry Brewer, RN (Provost Marshal)
- An Aboriginal Australian man
- John Arscott
- Black Caesar
- Ketch Freeman
- Robert Sideway
- John Wisehammer
- Mary Brenham
- Dabby Bryant
- Liz Morden
- Duckling Smith
- Meg Long
Overview of Characters
- Captain Arthur Phillip, RNArthur PhillipAdmiral Arthur Phillip RN was a British admiral and colonial administrator. Phillip was appointed Governor of New South Wales, the first European colony on the Australian continent, and was the founder of the settlement which is now the city of Sydney.-Early life and naval career:Arthur Phillip...
: The real Arthur Phillip had been called out of retirement to take on the position of Governor of the first fleet to Australia. He is a calm and controlled leader, contrasting Major Robbie Ross's leadership. He shows an obvious patience and understanding towards the convicts, especially Liz Morden. Throughout the play he refers to historical people and situations, such as famous thespians Garrick and Kemble. He is intellectual, understanding, and authoritative. - Major Robbie Ross, RM: The real Major Robbie Ross had previously been on the losing side of the American War of Independence. In the play, Ross makes a reference to this, 'This is a profligate prison for us all, it's a hellish hole we soldiers have been hauled to because they blame us for losing the war in America.' The fact he feels he is being blamed may account for some of his bitterness. He is a vile, power obsessed man, who intimidates the convicts and believes that the convicts' punishment should be severe. He is completely against the play 'The Recruiting Officer' being put on, and constantly ridicules Ralph Clark for it.
- Captain David Collins, RMDavid Collins (governor)Colonel David Collins was the first Lieutenant Governor of the Colony of Van Diemens Land, founded in 1804, which in 1901 became the state of Tasmania in the Commonwealth of Australia.-Early life and military career:...
: Collins was appointed as the colony's judge on arrival at Botany Bay in 1788 and as such, his contribution to conversations at hand are generally from a legal perspective. He approaches subjects with the other officers very logically and justifies all of his comments. He fully supports Ralph's decision to stage a play and conducts a vote amongst the officers to find out who agrees with them. The real David Collins went on to found the first settlement in TasmaniaTasmaniaTasmania is an Australian island and state. It is south of the continent, separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania—the 26th largest island in the world—and the surrounding islands. The state has a population of 507,626 , of whom almost half reside in the greater Hobart...
. - Captain Watkin Tench, RMWatkin TenchLieutenant-General Watkin Tench was a British Marine officer who is best known for publishing two books describing his experiences in the First Fleet, which established the first settlement in Australia in 1788...
: Tench is an officer who dislikes all of the convicts for the simple fact that they are convicts. whenever he has a comment to make about them, it is always a sarcastic aside. He does not believe in the redemption of the convicts, nor in the fact that they can be converted from their criminal ways. He regards all of the convicts as barbarians, stating that hanging is "their favourite form of entertainment" (Act One, Scene Three). - Captain Jemmy Campbell, RM: A follower of Ross. There is great debate among productions as to his sobriety and while he is often played as drunk, there is nothing ever mentioned in the script to confirm this thought. He tends to copy Ross's views on everything though finds himself amused by the idea of the convicts performing a play.
- Reverend Richard JohnsonRichard Johnson (chaplain)Richard Johnson was the first Christian cleric in Australia.Johnson was the son of John and Mary Johnson. He was born in Welton, Yorkshire and educated at Hull Grammar School under Joseph Milner. In 1780 he entered Magdalene College, Cambridge as a sizar and graduated in 1784...
: The first clergyman in the Australian Penal Colony at Botany Bay, Johnson was to be a moral guide to both the convicts and officers of the camp. The Real Reverend Johnson was given a patch of land on which he planted oranges and lemons from Rio de Janeiro. It is said that he sold his 'Farm' for a fair profit when he left the colony. - Lieutenant George Johnston, RMGeorge Johnston (New South Wales)Lieutenant-Colonel George Johnston was briefly Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales, Australia after leading the rebellion later known as the Rum Rebellion....
: - Second Lieutenant Ralph Clark: Ralph is struggling as a lower officer. He desperately wants promotion, and when he hears through Harry Brewer that Arthur Phillip has suggested a play be put on by the convicts, he jumps to set about doing it. You see his transformation in the play as he turns from a man who is extremely nervous and uneasy around women, even ridiculed for not having a women convict for himself on the voyage to Australia, to a man in love with the convict Mary Brenham. He is influenced, to changing his feelings towards the convicts, by Arthur Phillip, giving them respect in the end, apologising to Liz Morden for interrupting her line in a rehearsal. The real Ralph Clark later went on to father a child to Mary Brenham, whom he named Betsey Alicia - for his wife in England.
- Midshipman Harry Brewer: Not as low as a convict, not as high as an officer, Midshipman Harry Brewer struggles to find his place. Tormented by the apparent ghost of Handy Baker, a man who he had hanged, and other ghosts, he seeks reassurance in Ralph. Since in Australia, he and convict Duckling Smith have been together. He is a very jealous man, and is always keeping a watchful eye on Duckling, much to her dismay. He dies, with Duckling at his side in despair.
- John Arscott: John Arscott's hopelessness as a convict becomes apparent in Act Two, Scene One. He says, 'There's no escape I tell you.' His utter hopelessness becomes more apparent when it is revealed that his compass he bought from a sailor is actually a piece of paper with 'North' written on it. Depending upon the delivery, this line can be full of humour or full of pathos.
- Ketch Freeman: Transported to Australia for the killing of a sailor who broke a strike, Freeman is made the hangman of the colony when he is told 'hang or be hanged'. Despised by many of the other convicts for being a hangman, in particular Liz Morden, Ketch struggles to be accepted. He exchanges words with Ralph in Act One, Scene nine. He explains how he came to be in his situation, blaming a mix of reasons including leaving Ireland where his guardian angel was. You see also in this scene his desperation to be an actor in the play.
Use in academia
In England, the play is used by the exam board AQAAssessment and Qualifications Alliance
AQA is an Awarding Body in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It compiles specifications and holds examinations in various subjects at GCSE, AS and A Level and offers vocational qualifications. AQA is a registered charity and independent of the Government...
and Edexcel
Edexcel
Edexcel, a UK company, is one of England, Wales and Northern Ireland's five main examination boards, and is wholly owned by the private-sector Pearson PLC, a UK-based media and publishing conglomerate. Its name is a portmanteau word derived from the words "educational" and "excellence"...
as a set text for Advanced Level
Advanced Level
The Advanced Level General Certificate of Education, commonly referred to as an A-level, is a qualification offered by education institutions in England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Cameroon, and the Cayman Islands...
Theatre Studies and as a set text to use in comparison essays for GCE
General Certificate of Education
The General Certificate of Education or GCE is an academic qualification that examination boards in the United Kingdom and a few of the Commonwealth countries, notably Sri Lanka, confer to students. The GCE traditionally comprised two levels: the Ordinary Level and the Advanced Level...
. It has also been used in universities' performing arts and English departments. It has been performed across Europe as part of GCE candidates' final performances. It is also used at AS level in English Literature studies, as well as a set text in the OIB administered by CIE
Cambridge International Examinations
University of Cambridge International Examinations is a provider of international qualifications for students between the ages of 14 and 19, offering examinations and qualifications in more than 150 countries. It is an Examination Board under Cambridge Assessment, founded in 1858 as a department...
and is also commonly used in English speaking English Literature classes for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Productions
The play's first production was at the Royal Court TheatreRoyal Court Theatre
The Royal Court Theatre is a non-commercial theatre on Sloane Square, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It is noted for its contributions to modern theatre...
, London, on 10 September 1988, directed by Max Stafford-Clark
Max Stafford-Clark
Maxwell Robert Guthrie Stewart Stafford-Clark is an English Theatre Director.-Life and career:He went to school at Felsted and Riverdale Country School in New York City. He has worked as a theatre director since he left Trinity College, Dublin.His directing career began as associate director of...
. The production starred David Haig
David Haig
David Haig is an Olivier Award-winning English actor and FIPA Award-winning writer. He is known for his versatility, having played dramatic, serio-comic and comedic roles, playing characters of varied social classes...
as Ralph Clark, Jim Broadbent
Jim Broadbent
James "Jim" Broadbent is an English theatre, film, and television actor. He is known for his roles in Iris, Moulin Rouge!, Topsy-Turvy, Hot Fuzz, and Bridget Jones' Diary...
as Harry Brewer, John Arscott and Captain Campbell, Linda Bassett
Linda Bassett
Linda Bassett is an English actress, who is well known in the United Kingdom for her film career.Bassett was born in Kent, England to a typist mother and a police officer father. Her roles include the award-winning part of Ella Khan in the 1999 British comedy film East is East...
as Lieutenant Will Dawes and Liz Morden, and Ron Cook
Ron Cook
Ron Cook is an English actor who has been active in the theatre, film and television since the 1970s. He is from South Shields, Co Durham, England and is a graduate of Rose Bruford College.- Stage appearances :...
as Captain Arthur Phillip and John Wisehammer.
Our Country's Good premiered on Broadway
Broadway theatre
Broadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
at the Nederlander Theatre
Nederlander Theatre
David T. Nederlander Theatre is a 1,232-seat Broadway theatre located at 208 West 41st Street, in New York City . One of the Nederlander Organization's nine Broadway theatres, the legacy of the theatre began with David Tobias Nederlander, for whom the theatre is named.Built by Walter C...
on April 29, 1991 and closed on June 8, 1991 after 12 previews and 48 performances. Directed by Mark Lamos
Mark Lamos
Mark Lamos is an American theatre and opera director, producer and actor. Under his direction, Hartford Stage won the 1989 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and he has been nominated for two other Tonys...
, the cast featured Cherry Jones
Cherry Jones
Cherry Jones is an American actress and recipient of the 2009 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress – Drama Series and the 2005 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play.-Career:...
(Reverend Johnson), Peter Frechette
Peter Frechette
Peter Frechette is an American film, stage and television actor.-Early life:Born and raised in Coventry, Rhode Island, Frechette earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater from the University of Rhode Island.- Career :...
(2nd Lieutenant Ralph Clark), Tracey Ellis (Lieutenant George Johnston), Amelia Campbell
Amelia Campbell
Amelia Campbell is a Canadian-born, American-raised actress. She was born in Montreal but grew up in Ithaca, New York, USA. She mostly works in the theatre but occasionally makes film appearances in films. Notable roles include The Paper, My Louisiana Sky, Single White Female, and Lorenzo's Oil...
(Lieutenant Will Dawes, Duckling Smith, Meg Long) and J. Smith-Cameron
J. Smith-Cameron
J. Smith-Cameron is an American actress.Smith-Cameron was born Jean Isabel Smith in Louisville, Kentucky, the daughter of architect Richard Sharpe Smith. She was raised in Greenville, South Carolina, and attended Florida State University where she was enrolled in the School of Theatre...
(2nd Lieutenant William Faddy).
The play was performed at the Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre
Royal Lyceum Theatre
The Royal Lyceum Theatre is a 658 seat theatre in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, named after the Theatre Royal Lyceum and English Opera House, the residence at the time of legendary Shakespearean actor Henry Irving. It was built in 1883 by architect C. J. Phipps at a cost of UK£17,000 on behalf...
, directed by Caroline Hall and featuring Louise Gold
Louise Gold
Louise Gold is an English singer, actress and puppeteer whose career has spanned almost four decades.From 1977, Gold was a puppeteer and voice actress for The Muppet Show and Sesame Street, and she has performed voice and puppet work on various other Muppet films and specials...
as Lieutenant Will Dawes and Liz Morden. It was also presented at the Liverpool Playhouse
Liverpool Playhouse
The Liverpool Playhouse is a theatre in Williamson Square in the city of Liverpool, Merseyside, England. It originated in 1866 as a music hall, and in 1911 developed into a repertory theatre. As such it nurtured the early careers of many actors and actresses, some of which went on to achieve...
in 2007. Among the cast members was Charlie Brooks
Charlie Brooks
Charlene "Charlie" Brooks is a Welsh actress, best known for playing Janine Butcher on the BBC soap opera EastEnders.-Acting career:...
. The actors also provided a workshop
Workshop
A workshop is a room or building which provides both the area and tools that may be required for the manufacture or repair of manufactured goods...
for real life convicts in Walton Prison
Liverpool (HM Prison)
HM Prison Liverpool is a categoryB/C local men's prison, located in the Walton area of Liverpool in England. The prison is operated by Her Majesty's Prison Service.-History:...
.
Awards and nominations
1988 Laurence Olivier Award- BBC Award for the Play of the Year (Winner)
- Director of the Year (nominee)
- Actor of the Year in a New Play (David Haig (Winner))
1991 Tony Award
Tony Award
The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes achievement in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City. The awards are given for Broadway...
- Best Play (nominee)
- Best Actor in Play (Peter Frechette) (nominee)
- Best Actress in a Play (Cherry Jones) (nominee)
- Best Featured Actress in a Play
- Amelia Campbell (nominee)
- J. Smith-Cameron (nominee)
- Best Direction of a Play (nominee)
1991 New York Drama Critics' Circle
New York Drama Critics' Circle
The New York Drama Critics' Circle is made up of 24 drama critics from daily newspapers, magazines and wire services based in the New York City metropolitan area. The organization was founded in 1935 at the Algonquin Hotel by a group that included Brooks Atkinson, Walter Winchell, and Robert Benchley...
Award
- Best Foreign Play
Drama Desk Award
Drama Desk Award
The Drama Desk Awards, which are given annually in a number of categories, are the only major New York theater honors for which productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway compete against each other in the same category...
- Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Tracey Ellis) (nominee)