A new musical adaptation of Joan Lindsay’s iconic novel, Picnic at Hanging Rock, premiered on February 27, 2024, at a cozy off-Broadway theatre in the heart of Greenwich Village. This adaptation breathes new life into a story that has captivated audiences for decades, intertwining a distinctly Australian narrative with the vibrant cultural landscape of Manhattan.
A Universal Tale with Local Roots
Composer Greta Gertler Gold, a key figure behind the project, expressed her excitement about presenting the story on this international stage. “It’s a universal story, but with a very specific Australian landscape and character and culture woven through it,” she remarked, acknowledging the challenges of adapting a beloved narrative for a new audience.
Gold collaborated with playwright Hilary Bell, who penned the script and lyrics, while Gold was responsible for the music and arrangements. The duo has dedicated approximately five years to this project, making it their third musical collaboration after The Red Tree and Alphabetical Sydney.
Picnic at Hanging Rock tells the haunting tale of three female boarding school students and their teacher who mysteriously vanish during a picnic on Valentine’s Day in 1900. The story leaves audiences with an unresolved mystery, as only one of the girls is later discovered, deeply traumatized.
New Perspectives on a Classic
In this adaptation, Gold and Bell have taken creative liberties, incorporating elements from Lindsay’s lesser-known 18th chapter, which was removed from the original work but published posthumously. This chapter offers additional insights into the fate of the missing girls. The musical also features the character Albert, reimagined as an Aboriginal tracker, blending Indigenous perspectives into the narrative with guidance from Indigenous dramaturge Nick Harvey-Doyle.
The cast primarily consists of American actors, but the production includes Australian talent such as Kaye Tuckerman, who portrays the governess and mathematics teacher, Greta McCraw. Another Australian, costume designer Jemima Firestone Greville, has also joined the team. The American actors faced the challenge of adopting Australian accents, a task made easier by the popularity of Bluey, an animated series that has resonated with many young viewers.
Gold noted, “A lot of the young actors have grown up with Bluey. It’s very well ingrained in their consciousness.” This cultural crossover highlights the evolving landscape of performance art, as Australian stories begin to find their footing on international stages.
The development of Picnic at Hanging Rock received support from various organizations, including Creative Australia, Create NSW, and the Australian Consulate-General in New York. This collaborative effort underscores a growing interest in bringing Australian narratives to wider audiences.
Gold, who moved to New York City in 1999, has a rich background in music, having co-written the classic Blow Up the Pokies with Tim Freedman of The Whitlams. Her passion for the New York music scene ultimately led her to seek out opportunities that would allow her to share Australian culture in the city.
While numerous Australian actors have successfully ventured into Hollywood and Broadway, the representation of Australian stories remains limited. Gold expressed her hope to bridge this gap, stating, “As someone who has lived in New York as an Australian for a long time, it’s very gratifying to bring that culture to life on stage here.”
As Picnic at Hanging Rock begins its journey in New York, it not only revives a classic tale but also invites audiences to experience the richness of Australian history and storytelling. The world premiere marks a significant milestone, highlighting the potential for further cultural exchange between Australia and the United States.
