Zisca the Avenger, or The Slave's Revenge, is an 1851 Australian play by Francis Belfield. It was a rare Australian play to be staged at the time.[2]
| Zisca the Avenger | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Francis Belfield |
| Date premiered | 3 November 1851[1] |
| Place premiered | Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney, Australia |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | verse drama |
The play was performed in Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong, Hobart and Bathurst.[3][4]
Reception edit
The People's Advocate, reviewing a copy of the script before production said "plot is excellent... the incidents follow in such rapid succession, that it is impossible for it to flaul upon the stage, it certainly is the most creditable Dramatic production that has yet been written in Australia. We have read two other pieces by this gentleman, but this is so infinitely superior in language, plot and action that we could not have believed it to have been written by the author of Retribution or The Rebel Chief."[5]
Bell's Life said "The versification is correct; generally smooth and pleasing; frequently striking and vigorous. The plot is not the least commendable, being fraught with interest from the rising of the curtain until the denouement; and the skill with which the author has preserved that interest throughout, will in our opinion stamp 'success' upon his labors."[6]
Another review said "The language in many portions of it is highly poetical and betrays an extent of reading and refinement of thought highly creditable to its author."[7]
References edit
- ^ "Royal Victoria Theatre". The Sydney Morning Herald. Vol. XXXI, no. 4514. New South Wales, Australia. 3 November 1851. p. 2. Retrieved 11 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Advertising". The People's Advocate and New South Wales Vindicator. Vol. III, no. 158. New South Wales, Australia. 1 November 1851. p. 2. Retrieved 11 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Advertising". Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal. Vol. I, no. 61. New South Wales, Australia. 4 March 1854. p. 3. Retrieved 15 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Wednsday March 8th". Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal. Vol. I, no. 62. New South Wales, Australia. 18 March 1854. p. 2. Retrieved 15 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Theatricals of the Week". The People's Advocate and New South Wales Vindicator. Vol. III, no. 157. New South Wales, Australia. 25 October 1851. p. 3. Retrieved 11 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Local Intelligence". Bell's Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer. Vol. VII, no. 95. New South Wales, Australia. 25 October 1851. p. 2. Retrieved 11 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Wednesday March 8th". Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal. Vol. I, no. 62. New South Wales, Australia. 18 March 1854. p. 2. Retrieved 11 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
External links edit
- Zisca the Avenger at Ausstage