‘The Silver Stars of Freedom’ by Florence Spriggins

‘The Silver Stars of Freedom’ is a play by Australian female playwright, Florence Spriggins (1880-1947 that weaves a story around rebel leader Peter Lalor’s escape in the aftermath of the Eureka Stockade. It won first place from more than 100 other entries in a national one-act playwriting competition in 1935. Organised by the Dramatists Club of Australia and was described at the time as being “a well-constructed piece of work ingeniously thought out” and with “a truly dramatic climax”.

Spriggins, who grew up in Richmond’s Irish-Catholic community, was a secretarial studies teacher and businesswoman who ran the Lisieux Coaching College in Melbourne. She was active as a playwright during the 1930s, writing both one-act and full-length plays, but her work has since been overlooked and largely forgotten. Spriggins’ play is one example of the proliferation of creative responses to Eureka that appeared in the first half of the 20th century. The play reflects the enduring mythology of Eureka in the Australian consciousness and highlights the role of women artists in perpetuating its memory.

Overlook Productions honours new and innovative theatre and brings to life the Australian voice through performance, play readings and original stories.  This production gathers some of Ballarat’s most experienced and talented actors, as they portray this award-winning play of the time.  Miranda Donald directs and guides the actors through this entertaining tale that provides a glimpse of our history through the eyes of unsung female playwright, Florence Spriggins. Overlook Productions co-founder, Adam Turnbull joins the cast along with Jane Gaylor, Linda Borner, Hedley Thompson and Mick Zala.

Image: Miss F. Spriggins, ‘Successful Teacher’, 14 March 1914, p.10. The Herald. State Library of Victoria.