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HANGING ON TO THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD

by Barry Kay
read extract

So you think the story of Australian Federation is staid and boring? Hanging on to the Bottom of the World makes it as theatrical, physical, visual and funny as possible while not shying away from the darker side of the story. It’s a bit like what Monty Python might have done if they were to tell Australia’s history.

Hanging on to the Bottom of the World is a fast-paced ensemble-style play, and allows for a cast of varying size and gender. It was originally written for Ballarat Grammar School as a funded commission for the Centenary of Federation.

Cast
15–60 (Most roles can be played by either male or female, though it is intended that women should make up the majority of the cast)
Length 45 minutes
Style Non-naturalistic historical comedy

 

Previous productions

2001   Year 10, Ballarat Grammar, VIC

Reviews/comments

‘If you can imagine Monty Python re-telling the events leading up to the Australian Federation then you begin to understand the imaginative and quirky approach this play takes. The material is theatrical and bold, providing a refreshing insight into the history of Federation for audiences from upper primary to lower secondary. But really, it’s a theatre event for everyone.’
Louise Permezel, director of Hanging on to the Bottom of the World

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
  • Production photos from Ballarat Grammar (2001)
  • Letter from a historian
  • What the selection panel said
  • A short biography of the playwright
  • An audio interview with the playwright