Forged (play)

Forged: A Life Drama, of English and Australian Interest is a 1873 Australian stage play by Arch Murray.[1]

The story was inspired by Bully Hayes.[2] The play was published in 1873.[3]

Leslie Rees commented:

Judging from the text the play is actable, but the character of Wayes as an interesting and dominating scoundrel is insufficiently developed. In the dialogue there is competence but little charm. The characters make revolutionary decisions without warning the reader — a common fault of the inexperienced dramatist, though not to be taken too seriously in melodrama. Diana could be a more appealing heroine — if heroine she remains, for it is an Australian girl who decamps with the squatter. The play has some historical value as emphasizing the notorious fascination of The Gap for wouldbe suicides—even in 1873.[4]

References

  1. ^ "NEWS OF THE DAY". Evening News. No. 1753. New South Wales, Australia. 19 March 1873. p. 2. Retrieved 6 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  2. ^ "The Sydney Morning Herald". The Sydney Morning Herald. Vol. LXVII, no. 10, 865. New South Wales, Australia. 14 March 1873. p. 4. Retrieved 6 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  3. ^ "Advertising". The Sydney Morning Herald. Vol. LXVII, no. 10, 865. New South Wales, Australia. 14 March 1873. p. 1. Retrieved 6 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. ^ Rees, Leslie (1953). Towards an Australian Drama. p. 16.