After rave reviews on Macleay Island, the play A Bonnet for Eliza comes to the Redland Museum as part of its heritage week celebrations.
Written by Margaret Dakin, the play is based on the life of Eliza Davis, an Irish woman who was to be hanged for the alleged murder of her baby before her sentence was commuted to life in Van Diemen's Land. She arrived in Australia in 1845. Unable to read or write, she proved to be a resilient woman who made a useful life for herself and her nine Australian-born children. The story was researched by Eliza's great great granddaughter, Gail Mulhern.
Playing the young Eliza is Mary Veitch with Shelley Gamon as the older Eliza. The play also features Farrel Bannister as the young Amos, Tom Lipscomb as the older Amos, Roy Nunn, Richard Neel, Adelai van Loggerenberg, Eileen Irving, Patti Ponting, Dawn Moore and Bruce Macdonald.
The posters were designed by Lyn Geia, with backdrop artist Darren Goleby.
The play is directed by Barbara Collyer with Vicky Macdonald as musical director and composer.
Ms Macdonald said she felt privileged to be able to set Ms Dakin's words to music.
"The lyrics are just lovely. I hope the music does them justice. We have had such appreciative feedback to what I consider a significant historical drama. I like to think the music helps set the mood of the play and put it in perspective," Ms Macdonald said.
A Bonnet for Eliza will be performed at the Redland museum at 6.30pm on May 17 and 2pm on May 19. Tickets are $20 which includes a glass of wine for the evening performance and an afternoon tea for the matinee show. For the evening show, patrons will have the option of pre booking savoury sharing platters.
Bookings can be made at redlandmuseum.org.au or on 3286 3494.
