23 Set play: Our Country's Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker Captain Arthur Phillip (Governor-in-Chief of New South Wales) Phillip is the most powerful man in the colony and his opinions hold the most sway. The real Phillip was a much-admired ‘founding father’ of Australia. His opinions are liberal and humane, in contrast to those of, for example, Robbie Ross. He has a con rmed belief that people can improve themselves. Phillip’s humanity is apparent from his rst appearance, in Scene 3, as he argues against ‘another Tyburn’ (page 4) – a gallows. His arguments are tempered by his detached activity of shooting birds, but he consistently offers the possibility of a better world. He listens to the advice of others, including Harry, who is a much lower rank, and has made controversial decisions, such as putting the marines and convicts on equal rations. However, in the end, he agrees to the hangings. In Scene 6, Phillip argues that the convicts can be ‘educated’ and displays his knowledge of theatre, which he believes is ‘an expression of civilisation’ (page 23). In Act 2, Scene 2, he convinces Ralph to continue with the play, suggesting that he must ‘read goodness, talent, the innate qualities of human beings’ in the convicts. He suggests that an example of ‘redemption’ can be made of the ‘foul-mouthed’ Liz Morden (page 60). Both Phillip and Ralph are under pressure for the play to succeed: Phillip so that the Admiralty won’t think he’s ‘mad’ and Ralph because he longs for a promotion. Phillip’s ability to persuade is seen again in Scene 10 when he, Collins and Ralph convince Liz to speak. 5John Hollingworth as Captain Phillip, with, left, Matthew Needham as Collins and, right, Ciaran Owens as Ross, St James Theatre, 2013 Task Phillip only appears in a few scenes, but his presence is felt throughout the play, as he is the authority gure that men like Ralph want to please, and his approval is key to promotions. To emphasise his importance, create a series of still images showing how the men might react to him. Do they stand up when he enters, avoid crowding him, make or avoid eye contact with him, carry things for him? Apply your discoveries to the staging of the bird-shooting in Act 1, Scene 3. 5Portrait of Captain Arthur Phillip by Francis Wheatley, 1786 Tip The British Library website has images from a book about Captain Phillip’s voyage to Australia, including a portrait of him which could inspire costume or performance ideas: bl.uk/20th-centuryliterature/articles/an-introduction-toour-countrys-good Key terms Gallows: A tall frame, usually made out of wood, with a noose attached to the crossbeam, tfor carrying out hangings. Still image: A rehearsal technique in which a moment is frozen to show facial expressions and physical positions. Copyright: Sample material
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