Play Scripts Drama Plays

Author:             Robert Reed
Age group:      11-13 (Grades / Years 6-7)
Roles:              28-32
Run time:        25 minutes
Genre:             epic with comic bits
Topics:            Australia

Vibrant story of nineteenth century Australia when the country was still largely unexplored and untouched by European settlers.  The play is humorous in parts, yet respectful to the subject matter.

The play describes key iconic events in the history of Australia through the eyes of Johanna, a seventeen year old who is seeking adventure. 

This light-hearted educational play has been extensively researched and the play script provides a valuable resource for any teacher wishing to celebrate Australia and her rich culture. 

Johanna is seventeen when her father decides to marry her to Gummy Jimmy.  However, Johanna has something else in mind: discovering the wonders of her great country.  She dresses in her father's clothes and goes walkabout. 

Hungry and tired the heroin meets native Australian chief, who shows her bush food and medicines, and teaches her to throw a boomerang (with amusing consequences).  Johanna, now called Joe the Boomerang, witnesses a corroboree and learns of the importance of having a personal life story.  She is also introduced to the game of cricket.

After leaving the tribe, Johanna meets the expedition of Burke and Wills and sees her first camel.  Next, she is taken as a hostage by the Ned Kelly gang in Jerilderie whilst they rob the local bank.  Finally, Johanna's travels end where they started, back in her hometown, where she finds work as a sheep shearer.  Will Gummy Jimmy be waiting there for her with her father or will she find a perfect ending to her adventure?