The Secret River: Selected Reading List and Watch List
This is the Reading List and Watch List I prepared for our National Theatre/Menzies Australia Institute talk, The Secret River: Contemporary Responses to Indigenous History, at the National Theatre last week. On the panel were Ian Henderson (Director, Menzies Australia Institute, KCL), Jared Michael Field (Chevening and Charlie Perkins Scholar, Oxford) and Sheridan Humphreys (Menzies Australia Institute, KCL).
To read my essay, The Secret River and Me, click here.
The Sydney Theatre Company Production of The Secret River runs until 6 September 2019 at the National Theatre, London.
Selected Reading List and Watch List
Novels
Want to read more novels that challenge the narratives about race and colonialsm? Here are six of my favourites, there are many many more.
· The Yield by Tara June Winch, (2019), Australia, is next on my list to read. Currently available in Australia only.
· Washington Black by Esi Edugyan, (2018), USA
· Salt Creek by Lucy Treloar, (2015), Australia
· Wanting by Richard Flanagan, (2008), Australia
· English Passengers by Matthew Kneale, (2000), UK
· This Thing of Darkness by Harry Thompson, (2005), UK
· Incomparable World by SI Martin, (1996), UK
Theatre
How about comparing The Secret River with other recent theatre productions that engage with Australia’s colonial experiences? SIX suggestions here from the UK and Australia. You can read the production notes and reviews online:
· Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker, National Theatre, London, 2015
· Hot Brown Honey, premiered in Australia and then in the UK for Edinburgh Fringe 2017 & 2018, and Southbank Centre 2018.
· The Drover’s Wife by Leah Purcell, Australian premiere in 2016. Read the play! It’s also in development for the screen.
· Bennelong by Bangarra Dance Theatre. Australian national tours in 2017 and 2018, and also touring in 2019
· Posts in the Paddock by My Darling Patricia in Association with Moogahlin Performing Arts, 2011
· Beautiful One Day, ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, 2015. I saw this show on tour in London, by the Thames at the Southbank Centre.
Movies: Australian historical dramas with Indigenous protagonists
· Sweet Country (2017)
· Bran Nue Dae (2009)
· Rabbit Proof Fence (2002)
· The Sapphires (2012)
· The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (1978)
British Movies and TV
· British-set historical drama with a protagonist of colour: Belle (2013)
· TV: [N/A. Insert title when something is actually made, do not include programmes with minority sidekicks, colourblind casting, costumed villagers in 1700s/1800s/1900s staring open mouthed at a black person… ]
Podcasts
I prepared the Reading List and Watch List in advance, but after the panel, I think it might also be useful to share my favourite podcasts by and about Indigenous Australians. All are available from most podcast apps, the links are for the show’s websites.
Unravel Season 1: Blood on the Tracks
Tiddas 4 Tiddas - I recommend starting with the interview with June Oscar or novelist Tara June Winch.
And a couple of podcasts about the Indigenous people of North America:
Missing and Murdered: Finding Cleo