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David Williamson

2012
Dave Tacon

type C photograph on paper (sheet: 48.2 cm x 34.6 cm, image: 40.6 cm x 26.9 cm)

David Williamson AO (b. 1942), playwright, studied and lectured in mechanical engineering and psychology before achieving success with his works for the stage. His early plays were first produced at alternative theatres - The Coming of Stork (1970) and The Removalists (1971) at Betty Burstall's La Mama in Melbourne, and Don's Party (1971) at the Pram Factory, Carlton, which was home to the Australian Performing Group. Williamson's subsequent plays, many of which have been made into films which he has scripted, include The Department (1975), The Club (1977), Travelling North (1979), The Perfectionist (1982), Emerald City (1987), Brilliant Lies (1993) Dead White Males (1995) Heretic (1996) Corporate Vibes (1999) and Up for Grabs (2001). His film credits include Stork (1971), Petersen (1974), Gallipoli (1980), The Year of Living Dangerously (1981) Phar Lap (1982), and On the Beach (2000). Williamson has received honorary doctorates from Sydney and Monash, and a great number of literary awards.

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2012
© Dave Tacon/Copyright Agency, 2024

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David Williamson

'Playwriting, people and punchlines'

Portrait story: 5 minutes 13 seconds

Australian playwright, David Williamson tells us tales from his career.

Listen: David Williamson

In their own words

Recorded 1976

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David Williamson