Arabin; or, The Adventures of a Settler is an 1849 Australian stage play by James McLachlin.[2][3] It was arguably the first Australian play presented in Melbourne.[4]
| Arabin; or, The Adventures of a Settler | |
|---|---|
 Melbourne Daily News 9 March 1849 | |
| Written by | James McLachlin |
| Based on | novel Adventures of a colonist, or, Godfrey Arabin the settler by Thomas McCombie |
| Date premiered | 9 March 1849[1] |
| Place premiered | Queen Theatre Royal, Melbourne |
| Original language | English |
It was based on the 1845 book Adventures of a colonist, or, Godfrey Arabin the settler by Thoms McCombie. A full copy of the play survives.[3] According to academic Richard Fotheringham, "except for the introduction of a predictable comic Irish servant and his sweetheart, the stage Arabin follows McCombie’s narrative closely; indeed several cryptic references in the play can only be understood by referring to the novel."[5]
The production featured songs.[6]
According to William Kerr in the Argus, who disliked McCombie, the play was written by McCombie and would be "interspersed with Songs written by" McCombie "to music no doubt composed by the same universal Genius. The author is also to deliver a Prologue of his own composition. In short, it is a perfect McCombie triumph, and we strongly recommend an attendance to such of our readers as relish a bit of fun."[7]
McCombie pointed out to Kerr that McLachlin wrote the play and songs, not him. "In a flattering notice which one of our contemporaries bestowed upon this piece, it is stated that the prologue was to be spoken by Mr. McCombie. We need not say that this is an error; the author of tho drams was advertised to speak it, and it would be unfair to him to deprive him of the honor."[8][3]
McLaughlin and McCombie later collaborated on another play Jackey Jackey the NSW Bushranger.[3]
References
edit- ^ "Last Night of the Season". The Lorgnette. Vol. XLI. Victoria, Australia. 16 June 1886. p. 2 (Edition 3). Retrieved 5 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Advertising". The Melbourne Daily News. Vol. XII, no. 1, 895. Victoria, Australia. 8 March 1849. p. 3. Retrieved 5 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ a b c d Fotheringham, Richard (2006). Australian plays for the colonial stage : 1834–1899. pp. 96–105.
- ^ "Queen's Theatre Royal". The Lorgnette. Vol. XLI. Victoria, Australia. 16 June 1886. p. 2 (Edition 1). Retrieved 11 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ Fotheringham p 98
- ^ "Domestic Gazette". Port Phillip Gazette and Settler's Journal. Vol. IX, no. 1881. Victoria, Australia. 7 March 1849. p. 2. Retrieved 11 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Domestic Intelligence". The Argus (Melbourne). Vol. I, no. 56. Victoria, Australia. 9 March 1849. p. 2. Retrieved 11 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Domestic Gazette". Port Phillip Gazette and Settler's Journal. Vol. IX, no. 1882. Victoria, Australia. 10 March 1849. p. 2. Retrieved 11 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.