Voices on the Page - David Williamson, Compulsive Playwright

1986, 26 Minutes

“If you are a writer, you love writing, it is a compulsive activity; if you don’t love it, you shouldn’t be in the business.”

Voices on the Page provides a deeply personal insight into the life and thoughts of Australia's most successful playwright, David Williamson. Intercut with Williamson's commentary are scenes from the film Gallipoli as well as excerpts from performances or rehearsals of his plays The Club, The Removalists and Don's Party, which help to illustrate what Williamson is trying to achieve through his writing. Williamson describes how ideas for his plays come about and the difference in writing for television, film and stage. He also talks about the role and influence of critics on the theatre.

Produced by Film Australia. © 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia