In the late 1960s and 1970s, a theatrical revolution was brewing in Melbourne that would forever alter the landscape of Australian theatre. It all began in the inner-city suburb of Carlton, where two innovative venues, the Pram Factory and La Mama, laid the foundation for a new era in Australian drama. La Mama, which opened its doors in 1967 with a play by the then little-known playwright Jack Hibberd, quickly became a hub for experimental theatre.
Jack Hibberd, a visionary autodidact born in rural Victoria, ventured into playwriting after a chance encounter with theatre enthusiasts in Carlton. His foray into the world of theatre marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would see him co-found the Australian Performing Group (APG) in 1970, alongside the likes of Bill Garner and David Williamson. With plays like Dimboola and A Stretch of the Imagination, Hibberd emerged as a trailblazer in establishing a distinct Australian voice on stage.
David Williamson, a prominent figure in the APG, lauds Hibberd for providing the rallying cry that propelled Australian drama into uncharted territories. Together with Garner, Williamson, and other emerging playwrights, Hibberd challenged the status quo of Australian theatre, pushing boundaries and exploring the depths of the Australian experience.
At the heart of this theatrical revolution was a rejection of the traditional English-centric approach that had long dominated Australian stages. The Melbourne Theatre Company, under the stewardship of John Sumner, epitomized this mindset, seeking to uplift Australian audiences with imported cultural productions. In response, Hibberd and his contemporaries at the APG championed a new narrative, one that celebrated the complexity and diversity of the Australian identity.
Through the APG and the Pram Factory, Hibberd and his peers embarked on an exhilarating journey of experimentation, drawing inspiration from avant-garde theatre movements around the world. The group delved into comedy, improvisation, and Brechtian theory, laying the groundwork for a renaissance in Australian playwriting.
While the APG ceased operations in 1981, its legacy endures in the thriving Australian theatre scene. Circus Oz, an offshoot of the APG, continues to captivate audiences, carrying forward the spirit of innovation and creativity that defined Hibberd’s era. Hibberd himself recognized the lasting impact of their work, acknowledging the resurgence of Australian plays across the country.
Jack Hibberd’s repertoire of nearly 40 plays showcased his versatility and ingenuity as a playwright. While Dimboola remains his most renowned work, captivating audiences with its raucous depiction of a rural wedding gone awry, A Stretch of the Imagination stands out as a surrealist masterpiece that underscores Hibberd’s narrative prowess.
Through his plays, Hibberd elevated the Australian vernacular to poetic heights, revealing the depth of emotion and storytelling embedded in everyday language. His exploration of Australian themes and characters resonated with audiences, ushering in a new era of Australian theatre that celebrated the nation’s rich cultural tapestry.
As the curtain falls on Jack Hibberd’s illustrious career, his legacy as a pioneering playwright and advocate for Australian theatre endures. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the theatrical landscape, inspiring generations of playwrights to embrace the uniquely Australian voice that he championed with such fervor.
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