Guide to the Roderick the Bushranger or, the Maid, The Man-o'War's Man, and the Monkey, 1860-1870

 

Collection context

Summary

Collection number:
MS 10726
Creator:
Ancanthe and McDonald, James (1828-1889)
Extent:
(1 folder)
Language:
English and English
Preferred citation:
Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Roderick the Bushranger or, the Maid, The Man-o'War's Man, and the Monkey, National Library of Australia, MS 10726, [class/series/file/item number(s)]'.
Availability:
Available
Access conditions:
Available for research. Not for loan.

Background

Content Summary:
This collection comprises scripts for "The Bushranger" by James McDonald. The plot of the play outlines a gang of five bushrangers who came to Australia as convicts, or in seek of fortune and escaping the "cruel and oppressive" laws of England. Having found that gold is more scarce than they had been led to believe, they intend to kidnap a young woman, Ellen Moore. Moore is the heroine of the story, having emigrated with her family to Australia after having fallen on hard times. The story also features "the monkey" whose purpose in the play was to provide slapstick comedy. This play demonstrates the presence of the Australian Bush and convict life in the artistic consciousness of the English audience. The play outlines opinions of England's laws as oppressive, and mentions the "liberal" nature of shipping criminals to the other side of the world at the crown's expense, but due to the presence of the heroine as hardworking in opposition to the convicts, it is likely that this sought to portray the convict classes of Australia and the people who criticised the system in a poor light.
General:

Please note: This finding aid contains descriptive information provided by donors, researchers and/or volunteers.

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Performing arts
Names:
Ancanthe

Access and use

Conditions Governing Access:
Access conditions may apply to this collection, please refer to the collection's catalogue record for further information (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn8820569).
Conditions Governing Use:
Conditions for copying and publishing of this collection may apply, please refer to the collection's catalogue record for further information (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn8820569).
Preferred citation:
Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Roderick the Bushranger or, the Maid, The Man-o'War's Man, and the Monkey, National Library of Australia, MS 10726, [class/series/file/item number(s)]'.
Location of this collection:
Parkes Place
Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
Contact: