Breaking Point (play)

1969 - A Division - Players Anonymous production of Breaking Point written by William Fairchild and directed by Max Tompkins.

Ray Mooney 2nd from Right.

Tony Curtin, extreme left, played the Governor in the first production of Everynight Everynight in 1977, St Martins and The Pram Factory.

Tony Curtin, extreme left, played the Governor in the first production of Everynight Everynight in 1977, St Martins and The Pram Factory.

PLAYERS ANONYMOUS*

In 1955 two members of the Latrobe Debating Club, John Bryan Kerr and Michael Burns sought permission to stage a play for outside audiences. Although apprehensive, the authorities acquiesced and under the direction of an 'outsider', Tibor Barocher, the 'Caine Mutiny Court Martial was performed for invited members of the public.

However, the concept of a permanent drama group within a maximum security prison was premature and it was not until Michael Sinclair-Wilson formed a group to stage The Long, The Short and The Tall' in 1959 that the concept was accepted. Because prisoners surnames were prevented from publication the title Players Anonymous' was adopted.

Slowly the group matured and in 1966 the new Governor, Ian Grindlay, decided to personally ensure the continued success of the group With the skillful management of the President, Pat Atwood, they developed Players Anonymous from a year-to-year proposition into a viable drama group, performing two plays each year.

Over the years Players Anonymous has received vital assistance from many interested parties, especially St. Martins Theatre Group, J.C. Williamsons, Channels Seven and Nine, Strand Electric, The Myer Foundation, The Australian Council of Arts, and the Coburg Lions Club. We have also benefited from the expertise of Tibor Barocher, Michael Sinclair-Wilson, Les James, Max Tompkins, Rex Callaghan, Pat Maloney and Brian Leach and have had the delightful pleasure of working with Margaret Carroll, Bridgette Fry, Norma Mayman, Margot Taylor, Helen Jackson and Sue Green.

Although our members may come and go, our ideals and objectives never alter and tonight you will witness the achievement of our major objective: the writing and production of our own play.

*in: A Blue Freckle, 1975 (pamphlet)