Banner image: Poster by Todd Williams for new production of ‘Dragged Screaming to Paradise’.
Collage of postcards and photographs
Paradise Productions
All plays are available for fair use.
For Performance Rights, contact Suzanne Spunner
A trio of postcards comprising a classic Darwin postcard and its obverse, a work by Therese Ritchie, ‘Three Dusky Maidens’ (2003) and in between, Paradise Productions (L-R): Writer Suzanne Spunner, Director Tessa Pauling and Actor Annie Gastin. Photograph by Yoris Wilson.
Hand-Coloured Cover: First edition of the play, design by author from a photograph by Jude Swift
DRAGGED SCREAMING TO PARADISE
1988
A monodrama for one woman in three movements with one interval. Leaving Melbourne, Arriving in Darwin, Discovering Paradise A play about reluctance, re-location and dislocation. The woman/ She packs many pairs of shoes and they talk to her, voicing her fears and doubts about moving.
Produced by Paradise Productions at Browns Mart in 1988, toured the NT and restaged to open The Studio Theatre at DPAC Darwin Performing Arts Centre then to the Fairfax Theatre, Melbourne Festival 1994.
The book was published by Paradise Productions in 1989, and in 1994 republished by Little Gem Publications, Darwin.
Book Cover designed by Todd Williams. Reissued in 2000.
The original Ur Territory Tea Towel designed by Todd Williams from a concept by the author
Merchandise
Before there was merch there were things you made to promote a show - there was a T shirt for the first production. Later a tea towel and a bumper sticker, which could be affixed to a polystyrene stubbie cooler for instant appeal.
Then there was the Song by Tom Pauling and Annie Gastin and the cassette of the song …
article et al
by andrew mc millan
NT News
Hand-printed Poinciana fabric and hand-painted Poinciana shoes made by Lillian Smith. These are not merch but an exquisite gift.
Top Enders: Article by sue neales
Good Weekend, Feb 1997
From the original poster by Kaz Cook, a customised T shirt with a Darwin sunset printed by Lillian Smith
Our pool in Fannie Bay, Darwin
OVERCOME BY CHLORINE
1992
A play in two acts for five men and four women.
About men and swimming pool maintenance, set in contemporary Tropical Australia, the action spans a five year cycle of pool progress. It follows the lives of four families punctuated by visits to the local pool shop.
Performed by Darwin Theatre Co in association with Paradise Productions outdoors at the Town Hall Ruins, Darwin during the Dry Season.
Ken Conway and Kaye Brown as Hec and Hazel by the pool, Play reading, Fannie Bay
To come- Context and Comment on the play