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DROUGHT BREAKER

In far western New South Wales the booming silver mines of Hades Crossing feed the burgeoning economy of a newly minted nation. But when months pass without rain, the growing population and its thirsty mines soon outstrip the water supply. In desperation, the Chamber of Commerce engages the services of Dr H. de Majors McWaters, Rainmaker.

Based on events of the disastrous ‘Water Famine’ of 1903, Drought Breaker is an Australian fable about pride and fall, faith, folly and the quest to conquer nature.

Previous productions

2006  The Acting Factory at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta, and at Q Theatre, Penrith, NSW

Reviews/comments

‘... amply succeeded in drawing out history, Australiana, nostalgia, tragedy, humanity, comedy, pathos, sadness and sympathy ... Stainton has opened up themes as large as the landscape.’ Brad Syke, Sydney Stage Online, 25 Sept, 2006

What's in the Resources pack?

• The play
• Production rights information
• From page to stage: a teacher's guide to navigating the production rights process
• Author’s notes
• Notes on the main characters
• Sheet music, plus a recording of the songs in performance
• Production photos and web graphic from the Acting Factory (2006)
• What the selection panel said
• A short biography of the playwright
• An audio interview with the playwright

• About the anthology

• About the other plays

• Buy the anthology now