The Life of Bennelong: A New Play

Topic: Theatre

Saturday, 8 August 2026, at 4:30 am

Saturday, 8 August 2026, at 6:44 am

Actors Googoorewon Knox and Guy Simon star in Bennelong in London, a play about a famous Aboriginal man from the 18th century.

In 1793, Bennelong sang the first Aboriginal song in England, in a London townhouse.

Some people think Bennelong was a tragic figure and a traitor, while others see him as a diplomat and adventurer.

Playwright Jane Harrison is interested in Bennelong's story because of its contradictions.

Harrison learned about Bennelong while researching another play, The Visitors, in 2020.

Harrison says, 'Bennelong was an amazing character who was kidnapped and learned English quickly to help his people and the settlers communicate.'

Bennelong traveled to England with Governor Phillip to teach the British about his people.

When Bennelong returned home, he rejected the colony and lived in a small community on the Parramatta River.

Harrison thinks Bennelong's story is fascinating because it shows how he responded to colonization.

Ian Michael directs Bennelong in London, a play about Bennelong's life and legacy.

The play is about an actor named Sebastian who is preparing to play Bennelong in a one-man show.

Sebastian meets Bennelong's spirit, which helps him understand the character better.

The play is set in the present, which makes it feel modern and not like a history lesson.

Sebastian and Bennelong discuss the truths and tensions of Bennelong's legacy and contemporary Aboriginal culture.

Harrison says, 'It's a play, so it's playful.'

Harrison won an award for her work as a playwright.

Harrison didn't avoid the harder parts of Bennelong's story, like his drinking problem.

Harrison hopes the play will show how Bennelong's story is still relevant today.

Harrison researched Bennelong's life by reading biographies and academic articles.

Harrison wrote the first draft of the play while living in Rome.

Harrison felt like she was experiencing what Bennelong went through when she was in a foreign country without speaking the language.

After handing in her draft, Harrison broke her arm.

Harrison found it challenging to develop Bennelong's character.

Harrison had to imagine what it was like to be Bennelong.

Harrison looked to the Aboriginal men in her life for inspiration when writing about Bennelong.

Harrison thinks Bennelong was a noble person who wanted to learn about the colony to help his people.

Bennelong was a complex person who was not just a simple man.

The play Bennelong in London is not the first time Bennelong's story has been told on stage.

In 2017, a dance theater premiered a work about Bennelong's life.

The play I Am Eora, which was about Bennelong and other Aboriginal leaders, premiered in 2012.

The rehearsal room for Bennelong in London has pictures of Bennelong on the walls.

Knox, the actor playing Bennelong, first learned about Bennelong when his family was involved in the play I Am Eora.

Knox thinks Bennelong was a complex person who was not just a traitor or a hero.

Bennelong was able to travel to London as a guest, which shows how clever and resourceful he was.

Knox considered the similarities and differences between himself and Bennelong when preparing for the role.

Knox thinks the play shows how Bennelong's morals and values are different from those of today.

Harrison's writing helped Knox understand Bennelong's character and navigate the role.

The actors have to keep track of many ideas and themes throughout the play.

Knox thinks the play has many layers and depths.

The play keeps Bennelong's spirit alive by telling his story in a new way.

After returning from England, Bennelong lived a traditional life among his people.

The colony eventually turned its back on Bennelong, and he was forgotten.

The play is being performed at the Wharf Theatre, near where Bennelong lived.

Harrison thinks it's essential to know the roots of Australia's history.

Knox sees the play as an opportunity to reveal a truer version of history.

Knox thinks society is not built for Aboriginal people, and they have to navigate it.

Knox's family has a strong connection to music and culture.

Harrison reflects on how Bennelong's spirit might visit her and inspire her writing.

Harrison thinks about how she would react if she met Bennelong's spirit.

The play Bennelong in London is showing at the Wharf 1 Theatre until August 19.

See more ABC coverage of the play.

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