National Library of Australia - Gateways

ISSN ISSN 1443-0568 | no. 66 | December 2003


David Williamson: A Celebration

Left to right: David Williamson with James Halligan, Executive Officer, Friends of the National Library of Australia Inc.
Left to right: David Williamson with James Halligan, Executive Officer, Friends of the National Library of Australia Inc.

On Sunday 23 November the Friends of the National Library’s annual Celebration recognised the achievements of David Williamson, Australia’s renowned and most widely performed playwright. In a career spanning almost 40 years Williamson’s prodigious output includes several feature films and 30 plays, many of which have been translated into foreign languages, and performed internationally with major productions in London, Los Angeles, New York and Washington. His numerous awards include the George Devine Award, the London Evening Standard Award, the Australian Writers’ Guild AWGIE Award (11 times) and the Australian Film Institute’s Award for Best Screenplay (four times).

David Williamson signs copies of David Williamson: A Celebration
David Williamson signs copies of David Williamson: A Celebration

To mark the occasion the Library produced, with assistance from the Friends, the publication David Williamson: A Celebration. This beautiful volume honouring David’s contribution to Australian literary culture, has been compiled by Katharine Brisbane AM, publisher of David’s plays for the past 30 years. It includes contributions from John Clark AM, Director of NIDA since 1969; Wayne Harrison, the London-based writer, director and producer; playwright, journalist and theatre critic Leonard Radic; and accomplished actor Glenn Hazeldine.

Incessant rain didn’t prevent 200 people from turning up to hear the great man speak, and they weren’t disappointed. Friends committee member Jenny Gleeson presided over the event, introducing the afternoon’s guest speaker, veteran of stage and screen Angela Punch McGregor. A consummate professional, Angela delivered a testimony to David’s career that was moving, thought provoking and hilarious, and declared the publication formally launched. David then took the stage, and it was inspiring to listen to someone of his stature speak with such grace and humility. He responded to some challenging questions from the audience with the vigour, humour and social conscience for which his work is famous.

Formalities completed, everyone adjourned to the foyer for afternoon tea accompanied by some gentle music, while David signed copies of the publication for members of the audience. Over the course of the afternoon, David performed in a manner that clearly demonstrated that being a giant of Australian theatre and a genuinely nice guy need not be exclusive concepts.
—James Halligan, Executive Officer, Friends of the National Library of Australia Inc.

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Please address any comments and enquiries to The Editor, Gateways: mbrooks@nla.gov.au