Tirelessly striving to advance Tasmania, Governor Sir John Franklin and wife, Jane, a knock at midnight brings dismissal, disgrace and at dawn the boarding of The Rajah.

This tragic, yet moving play tells of the unjust dismissal of the highly intelligent and enlightened Governor's wife, Jane Franklin, after working tirelessly to change Tasmania from a cruel penal colony to a cultural community, where girls are state educated in a male curriculum; and convict women removed from the abuse of assignment, to be taught skills to give them financial independence.
Boarding the Rajah for her sad journey Jane comes face to face with convict woman, Betsy, the Captain's wife's maid. The two clever women in opposite corners of life find themselves walking the same path, when Jane discovers she is named and shamed for petticoat power and her reputation is in ruins. Jane is unable to face her life until Betsy teaches her to sew, and sitting around the quilt, they share their stories and slowly support each other's sorrows.
This World Premiere is by the acclaimed writer of the female convict rebellion, Forgotten, Cate Whittaker.

Accessibility

In English

Wheelchair accessible

Companion Card accepted

Assistive Hearing system available (FM)

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*References to suicide, strong language, sexual connotations, loud noise and flashing lights.