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David Williamson

by
Reading Australia 08 February 2016

David Williamson

by
Reading Australia 08 February 2016

David Williamson (1942–) is one of Australia's most decorated playwrights. Writer of award-winning theatre, film and television, David's works have remained consistently relevant, with new seasons performed yearly. He has won awards in both film and theatre, with The Removalists (1971) earning him the George Devine Award as well as the prestige of being the first foreigner to win the award. The Removalists was the first of Williamson's plays to head abroad, being performed in London in the early 1970's. Later being adapted for the screen by Williamson, staring Jacki Weaver and Peter Cummins, the film was shown at the Cannes Film Festival, receiving critical praise. Williamson continues to produce works for stage and screen with his recent successes including Balibo (2009) and Rupert (2013).

David Williamson - from his websiteDavid Williamson

Reading Australia

James McNamara has written about The Removalists as part of the Reading Australia initiative. Click here to read his essay.

Further reading and links

Reading Australia teaching resources: The Removalists (1971)

'40 years on, The Removalists is still asking big questions', Natalie Bochenski, The Brisbane Times, 12 August 2014

'Still facing the brutal reality', Elissa Blake, Sydney Morning Herald,

David Williamson's website

Video interview with David Williamson for Brisbane Powerhouses' 2013 season performance of The Removalists

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