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The Visitors
The Visitors | Jane Harrison
3 posts | 3 read | 4 to read
On a sweltering day, 26 January, 1788, on a bluff high above Sydney Cove, seven Aboriginal men stand looking out to sea. Moored off shore is a huge nowee (boat) . then there are two, then more. Who are these visitors Where are they from What do they want Should they be turned away -'by force -'or welcomed to country. In The Visitors, Muruwari playwright Jane Harrison (Stolen, Rainbow's End) reimagines the arrival of the First Fleet from a First Nations' perspective. These senior men, carrying the weight of cultural responsibility in their very human hearts, must decide what action they'll take toward these unwanted arrivals. A decision, under pressure, that will have repercussions -'unforeseeably and forever. Told with wit, charm, and a fierce intelligence, Harrison's story upends the dominant point of view of this pivotal event. Annotated and with an introduction by Wesley Enoch. 'I do not doubt that The Visitors will take its place alongside Stolen as a touchstone of Australian theatre, and as an essential part of the continuing struggle to make sense of colonisation
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mjtwo
The Visitors | Jane Harrison
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24 Sep 23
A compelling and important story for Australians to consider right now. Harrison imagines the conversation between representatives of the 7 local First Nations clans upon the arrival of Phillip‘s fleet of 11 sailing ships to Pt Jackson in 1788.
The ensuing dialogue is funny and poignant as the men decide whether to attack or assist and welcome the foreigners struggling in this new environment.
What will we do now positions are reversed?

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keepingupwiththepenguins
The Visitors | Jane Harrison
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The Visitors is a particularly thought-provoking read with the forthcoming Referendum in Australia, and I doubt the timing of its release is an accident. I highly recommend it to all Australian readers – and all international readers who want to know more about our history, come to that. Full review: https://keepingupwiththepenguins.com/the-visitors-jane-harrison/

LeeRHarry I‘ve had my eye on this one - good to know you recommend it. 7mo
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