Timberlake Wertenbaker wrote 'Our countries good' in 1988, and based the play on the novel 'The Playmaker' by Thomas Keneally. It is set in 1787 and in is the story of a group of convicts deported to Australia for crimes committed in England. These convicts are given the chance to perform in a play for the penal colony and through this play they progress from 'animals' to decent individuals.

In this essay I will prove that 'Our Country's Good' is 'A moving and affirmative tribute to 'the transforming power of the theatre'. I will also prove that while 'the transforming power of the theatre' is the most important theme of the play it is not the only one.

'Our countries good' centres on the convict's progression from animals to people through the influence of the Play. In the start of the play the convicts are shown as animals who are rude and disgusting, who sing of 'English cunt', and talk to themselves, ranting and raving about their 'Hunger'. It is also made clear to us, early on, that the officers consider the convicts as little more animals as well. With the exception of the Go

The play is not however, just 'A moving and affirmative tribute to the transforming power of the theatre'. It contains many other themes that are entwined with it. For instance, the division of class is another of the main themes throughout the play. The convicts for the most part are from a lower class than the officers and so haven't had the same opportunities as them. Their position is, for the most part, not of their own doing and given the chance (i.e.: the play) they can become civilised. It is just their social position that makes them savage. As the Governor says, 'They can be educated' and encouraged 'to think in a free and responsible manner', all they need is the chance.

At first it appears as if the magic of theatre is not enough to create cultured individuals out of the convicts as, on the appearance of Liz Morden at the rehearsals it looks as if there will be a fight between her and Dabby Bryant. In fact they part without violence, however it is till clear that the convicts are still hostile and anti-sociable. On the next encounter between Dabby and Liz it seems as if there hostility will result in n a fight and it is only the appearance of the hangman Ketch which prevents this. Although they clearly hate each other they hate the hangman more and unite to scorn and hurl abuse at him. As the play moves on the play bring s communication between the different characters and we learn of hidden attributes the convicts possess. John Wisehammer for instance is quite cultured commenting on the 'twists' of the 'English language'. We learn also that Mary in kind and endearing two characteristics, one wouldn't expect to find in a penal colony.

The transformation is not a magical one and does not cover the entire cast. Five inmates try to escape while

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Approximate Word count = 1193
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)