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Wednesday, 12 August 2026

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New Play Explores Life of Bennelong in London

Jane Harrison's play Bennelong examines the life and legacy of the Aboriginal figure who sang the first song on English soil in 1793.

New Play Explores Life of Bennelong in London
Photo: David Rogers · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

The new play Bennelong, written by Jane Harrison, focuses on the life of Bennelong, a significant Aboriginal figure in history. He is noted for singing the first Aboriginal song on English soil in 1793, marking a notable moment in cultural exchange between Indigenous Australians and the British.

Harrison's work delves into the complexities of Bennelong's legacy, posing questions about his identity and the perspectives surrounding him, including interpretations of him as either a tragic figure or a traitor. The play aims to shed light on both his contributions and the context of his life.