The party never ends at Don's Place
In 2010 Australia was mesmerized for over 2 weeks as the outcome of the federal election unfolded with unprecedented drama. Election night results, traditionally broadcast from Australia’s National Tally Room, have a special place in our cultural heritage thanks to playwright David Williamson.
In 1969, the young Williamson burst onto the scene with the time-defining play Don’s Party about a group of friends gathered to watch the live election night results from the National Tally Room.
Now, four decades later, in the sequel Don Parties On David Williamson is revisiting the group of friends. Produced by the Melbourne Theatre Company Don Parties On is set on the night of yet another nail-biting federal election; 21 August 2010, and Don is hosting the party.
ABC Library Sales provided Don Parties On with footage of its television coverage from the 2010 election. Although times have changed - in 1969 the National Tally Room was the only place where election results were available - some things remain the same - after 40 years this group of Baby Boomers have yet to learn that politics and strong personalities should never be mixed with alcohol.
All 7 hours of the ABC’s election night tally room coverage was supplied to allow the producers to choose the important sound bites. The production premiered in Melbourne and will soon open in Sydney.
