This work investigates the evolution and maturation of Australian theatrical writing from its colonial origins in the 1830s through the cultural shifts of the 1970s. Leslie Rees, a prominent critic and historian of the Australian stage, utilizes a chronological framework to document the transition from imported colonial entertainment to the development of a distinct national dramatic voice. The text synthesizes archival research, play analysis, and historical context to map the emergence of local playwrights and the institutional challenges they faced within the Australian cultural landscape.

The subject matter points to a foundational, scholarly survey that serves as a primary reference for students and historians of Australian theater. The framing suggests a dense, comprehensive approach that prioritizes historical documentation and critical evaluation of the dramatic form.