Papers of Robyn Archer,

Title
Papers of Robyn Archer, 1973-2000 [manuscript].
Date
[1973-2000]
Name
Description
49.75 m. (94 boxes) + 83 cartons + 3 fol. boxes.
Published
[1973-2000]
Abstract
The MS 7692 collection contains draft scripts, notes, business and personal correspondence, fan mail, photographs, theatre programs, posters, music scores and clippings documenting Robyn Archer's musical shows, plays, songs and publications. Also included are the papers of Diana Manson, former partner and personal manager of Archer. These papers mostly relate to Archer's career, but also document the activities of Manson's management companies Black and Blue Inc. and Diehard Productions, including contract negotiation and publicity. Papers relating to Manson's professional association with performers Meryl Tankard, Jeannie Lewis, Jane Clifton and Noni Hazelhurst and with Hessian Records, are in this part of the collection (79 boxes, 3 fol. boxes). The Acc96.126 instalment comprises correspondence, subject files, drafts and files relating to the National Festival of Australian Theatre (15 boxes). The Acc00.249 instalment comprises correspondence, notes, faxes, flyers, programs, cuttings, whole newspapers and scripts. Subjects include the Adelaide Festival of Arts, Festival of Perth, 1996, Sydney Mardi Gras, Sydney Gay Games, 2002, the Centenary of Federation Advisory Committee, and seminars and launches (16 cartons). The Acc05.010 instalment comprises papers, brochures, posters, publications, videos, spool tapes and cassettes (67 cartons).
Biography
Singer, actor, writer, director and arts administrator. Robyn Archer has toured widely in Australia and overseas as a performer and festival director. Her career has encompassed writing and performing her own work, interpreting classic songs, collaboration with music and dance companies and as artistic director of arts festivals. She has written several works for theatre, including Songs from sideshow alley and Cafe Fledermaus, as well as producing one woman shows, including A star is torn. Archer has also written and adapted pieces for TV including Songs for bad times, Cabaret and The pack of women. She has been involved in stage, video and sound adaptations of her children's book Mrs Bottle's absolutely blurtingly beautiful world beating burp (1990). As a singer, Archer has recorded a number of albums. The lyrics and music of some of her popular songs were published in The Robyn Archer songbook (1980). She was awarded an honorary doctorate by Flinders University in 1991, and, in 2000, was created an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her contribution to the development of cultural life in Australia.
Notes
  • Manuscript reference no.: MS 7692, MS Acc96.126, MS Acc00.249, MS Acc05.010, MS Acc06.203.
  • Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.
  • A gouache portrait of Robyn Archer by Joan Herlinger Located at National Library of Australia Pictures collection PIC R10769 LOC 3874-B.
  • Robyn Archer monologue and interview with Michelle Potter in the Esso Performing Arts collection Located at National Library of Australia Oral History collection ORAL TRC 2551.
Finding aid
Finding aid available in the Manuscript Reading Room and on the Internet at: http://nla.gov.au/nla.ms-ms7692
Subject/Genre
Online
Finding aid
Access Conditions
Part available for research; part requires permission for research; part not available for research. Not for loan.
Language
English
From Collection
Record number
13634975
Updated
11 June 2011

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