Guide to the Papers of Ric Throssell

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MS 8071, MS Acc00.222, MS Acc17.098

National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record

Collection Summary

Creator
Throssell, Ric
Title
Papers of Ric Throssell
Date Range
c1860-2002
Collection Number
MS 8071, MS Acc00.222, MS Acc17.098
Extent
6.57 metres (43 boxes)
Physical Facet
MS 8071: (31 ms boxes); MS Acc00.222 (6 boxes); MS Acc17.098 (6 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Repository
Special Collections (Manuscripts)

Introduction

Scope and Contents

MS 8071 comprises playscripts, drafts of autobiography and other writings in addition to correspondence, research material and other documents relating to Ric Throssell's work as a playwright and author. There are also papers relating to Throssell's career and security classification problems in the Department of Foreign Affairs, the life and work of his mother Katharine Susannah Prichard and of his father Hugo Throssell, and to his involvement with the Canberra Repertory Society (31 boxes).

The Acc00.222 instalment comprises correspondence, drafts, reviews, articles, talks, notebooks and cuttings relating to Throssell's works My father's son and Breaking the codes, and a screenplay of his mother's Black opal. Also included are files on Throssell's involvement with Writers Against Nuclear Arms (WANA) (6 boxes).

MS Acc17.098 instalment comprises papers relating to Throssell's career as an author and in the theatre and includes correspondence, drafts of his writings, papers, and photographs. There is a large group of papers relating to screen, theatre and radio adaptations by Throssell of works written by his mother, Katharine Susannah Prichard. There are also several letters from Prichard to Dorothy Irwin and a group of her published works, which have been inscribed.(6 Archives Boxes)

Conditions Governing Access

Please refer to the collection's catalogue record for the access conditions (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn1567112).

Conditions Governing Use

Copying and publishing of unpublished manuscript material is subject to copyright restrictions. For such material, written permission to publish must be obtained from the copyright holder(s). Copying of unpublished material for research purposes is permissible 50 years after the death of the creator of the material.

Preferred Citation

Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], National Library of Australia, Papers of Ric Throssell, [class number, box number and series and/or file number]'.

See also Katharine Susannah Prichard Papers (MS 6201) and MS 2756 "Epitaph for the unborn" by Ric Throssell.

Separated Materials

A small carton of cassettes and reel to reel tapes have been transferred to the Oral History Collection. These include readings by Throssell of Wild weeds and wind flowers (TRC 2660).

Finding Aid Source(s)

Please note: This finding aid may comprise or contain descriptive information provided by donors, researchers and/or volunteers.

Collection Retrieval Advice

Please note: each consignment in this collection has a separate box number sequence (i.e. there may be multiple Box 1s). Please cite the relevant Class number as well as the Box number when requesting retrieval of material from the collection.

Biographical Note

Ric Prichard Throssell was born in Perth in 1922, the son of novelist Katharine Susannah Prichard and Captain Hugo Throssell, V.C. After education at Wesley College he saw war service in New Guinea during World War II. In 1943 he joined the Department of External Affairs and later served in the Australian legations in Moscow and Rio de Janeiro.

Since 1943 he has been associated with the Canberra Repertory Society as an actor, producer and playwright. He has written a large number of plays, some of which have been published. He has published a biography of his mother, Wild weeds and wind flowers (1975) and an autobiography My father's son (1989), and has edited two collections of his mother's writings Straight left (1982) and Tribute: selected stories of Katharine Susannah Prichard (1988).

His career in the diplomatic service was greatly hindered by security classification problems resulting from his mother's membership of the Communist Party. He appeared before the Petrov inquiry in 1954, but no case was established against him. Since his retirement he has devoted a lot of his energies to obtaining classified documents relating to himself and his mother with the aid of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the Freedom of Information Act.

Item Descriptions

Class MS 8071. Original consignment

Comprises playscripts, drafts of autobiography and other writings in addition to correspondence, research material and other documents relating to Ric Throssell's work as a playwright and author. There are also papers relating to Throssell's career and security classification problems in the Department of Foreign Affairs, the life and work of his mother Katharine Susannah Prichard and of his father Hugo Throssell, and to his involvement with the Canberra Repertory Society.

Contained in 31 boxes.

Series 1. Plays and scripts, 1937-88

This series includes about forty play texts, screenplays and scenarios, many of which have been performed and some of which have been published. Most of the work is original, while some is adapted from novels or stories by Katharine Susannah Prichard. There is a wide range of subject matter including domestic drama, comedy, political satire and musical comedy.

First plays, 1937-1941 (File 1) - Box 1 (MS 8071)

Includes scripts of "The Island of Omaru" and "Helen: a musical comedy", in addition to programmes for plays that Throssell appeared in in Perth during this time.

Appassionata (television play), 1961; Baby wants a bomb (AKA Liability unlimited) (File 2) - Box 1 (MS 8071)
Black opal, 1978-80 (screenplay) (File 3_4) - Box 1 (MS 8071)
By the billabong (outline for television series), 1956; The Contemporary approximation, 1957 (File 5) - Box 1 (MS 8071)
Coonardoo, draft screenplay, 1981 (File 6_8) - Box 1 (MS 8071)
The Creditor, 1967 (File 9) - Box 2 (MS 8071)
The day before tomorrow, 1956, revised 1987 (File 10_12) - Box 2 (MS 8071)
The death of Damien Burr, 1958 (File 13_15) - Box 2 (MS 8071)
Devil wore black, 1954 (File 16) - Box 2 (MS 8071)
Dr Homer speaks,: "Oh, Ai-Lar-Tsva, farewell!", 1963 (File 17_21) - Box 3 (MS 8071)
The Sweet and sad story of Elmo and me (Television version of "Dr Homer speaks"), 1965 (File 22) - Box 3 (MS 8071)
Double feature, c1956 (File 23) - Box 3 (MS 8071)
Eternity limited, 1979 (File 24) - Box 3 (MS 8071)
For valor, 1958, revised 1975 (File 25_29) - Box 4 (MS 8071)
The Fourth course, 1963 (File 30_32) - Box 4 (MS 8071)
Free for all at forty four, c.1960 (File 33) - Box 5 (MS 8071)
Highly confidential (File 34) - Box 5 (MS 8071)
I, said the fly (television play); If thy heart offend; Is anyone there? (screenplay), c1979 Jimble's Xmas (File 35) - Box 5 (MS 8071)
Just for now; A Kiss and a promise, c1956 revised 1969 (File 36) - Box 5 (MS 8071)
Legend, 1957 (File 37_40) - Box 5 (MS 8071)
The Mayor of Beardie Creek; Mourn not the dead, 1944 (File 41) - Box 6 (MS 8071)
My friend Mr Lasseter, c.1957 (File 42) - Box 6 (MS 8071)
On the lay-by, 1957-67 (File 43_44) - Box 6 (MS 8071)
The Ordinary man by Leonid Leonov, translated by Ric Throssell (File 45) - Box 6 (MS 8071)
Paradise harbour (synopsis of television film); Programme 001, 1966-1988; Sailor's girl, 1945 (File 46) - Box 6 (MS 8071)
South sea gold boy, 1965 (File 47) - Box 6 (MS 8071)
Standing room only, 1954; Suburban requeim, 1957 (File 48) - Box 6 (MS 8071)
Success story (television play), 1967; Ten miles to eternity (television serial) (File 49) - Box 7 (MS 8071)
The Thinking people (television play) (File 50) - Box 7 (MS 8071)
Thrice one (three one-act plays): Double feature, Epitaph for the unborn, If thy heart offend (File 51) - Box 7 (MS 8071)
Ulterior motifs, 1956 (File 51) - Box 7 (MS 8071)

Series 2. Correspondence regarding Ric Throssell's plays, 1948-82

Mostly letters relating to attempts to sell scripts and screenplays to theatre groups, publishers and broadcasters. (Files 56-59 include letters to the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust, Angus and Robertson and the Australian Broadcasting Commission.)

Correspondence, 1958-1954 (File 52) - Box 7 (MS 8071)

Includes eight letters from Miles Franklin and some job applications.

Correspondence, 1954-1957 (File 53) - Box 7 (MS 8071)
Correspondence, 1958-1949 (File 54) - Box 7 (MS 8071)
Correspondence and notebooks, 1959-1978 (File 55) - Box 7 (MS 8071)

Correspondence, 1960-1964, together with two notebooks relating to the sale of his plays to small theatre groups, 1959-1978.

Correspondence, 1961-1966 (File 56) - Box 8 (MS 8071)
Correspondence, 1967-1968 (File 57) - Box 8 (MS 8071)
Correspondence, 1969-1970 (File 58) - Box 8 (MS 8071)
Correspondence, 1979-1982 (File 59) - Box 8 (MS 8071)
Correspondence, 1955-1964 (File 60) - Box 8 (MS 8071)

Re: Day before tomorrow

Correspondence, 1957-1960 (File 61) - Box 8 (MS 8071)

Re: Legend, 1957-1959; My friend Mr Lasseter, 1957-1959; On the lay-by, 1957-1960.

Correspondence, 1956-1962 (File 62) - Box 8 (MS 8071)

Re: A Kiss and a promise, 1956-1960; The death of Damien Burr, 1959-1960 (includes a long letter from Robin Lovejoy of the AETT); Free for all, 1960; For valor, 1958-1962.

Correspondence, 1975-1980 (File 63) - Box 8 (MS 8071)

Re: For valor, 1975-1979; Wild oats of Han, 1979-1980 (Tasmanian Film Corporation); Eternity limited, 1979; Black opal, 1975-1979 (unsuccessful efforts to sell screenplay)

Series 3. Other writings, 1942-89

Includes poetry, texts of speeches and broadcasts and extensive drafts of, and research notes for, his autobiography My father's son. (Some folders include associated correspondence)

World War II poetry, 1943 (File 64) - Box 9 (MS 8071)

Includes one printed in the first issue of Australian New Writing.

UNESCO, late 1940s (File 65_66) - Box 9 (MS 8071)

Texts of 2CA broadcasts on UNESCO and articles on UNESCO, late 1940s.

Play and book reviews, 1956-1977 (File 67) - Box 9 (MS 8071)
Writings, c1975-c1977 (File 68) - Box 9 (MS 8071)

'Towards a multicultural society', c1977 written for East-West Centre Symposium. Submission to the A.B.C. Advisory Committee on Freedom of Information and Privacy, c1975.

Conference paper, 1984 (File 69) - Box 9 (MS 8071)

'Paths towards purpose: the political plays of Katharine Susannah Prichard and Ric Throssell', a paper for the University of New England Conference on Australian Drama, 1920-1950, Armidale, 1984.

Conference paper, 1986 (File 70) - Box 9 (MS 8071)

'Neutrality: the foreign policy option', address for a 1986 Launceston Adult Education Conference.

My father's son, 1981-1987 (File 71) - Box 10 (MS 8071)

Research material and correspondence re Hugo Throssell.

My father's son (File 72_73) - Box 10 (MS 8071)

Research material re Hugo Throssell.

My father's son (File 74) - Box 10 (MS 8071)

Documents used in the book.

My father's son (File 75) - Box 10 (MS 8071)

Planning notes.

My father's son (File 76_77) - Box 10 (MS 8071)

1st draft (handwritten), chapters 1-10.

My father's son (File 78_81) - Box 11 (MS 8071)

1st draft, chapters 12-end

My father's son (File 82_84) - Box 11 (MS 8071)

Corrected draft

My father's son, 1987-1989 (File 85_88) - Box 12 (MS 8071)

Revised text

Series 4. Papers re Katharine Susannah Prichard, 1969-89

Includes correspondence, drafts and research material relating to his biography of his mother Wild weeds and wind flowers, and to editions of his mother's articles and stories that he has edited, namely Straight left and Tribute. This series also includes correspondence with publishers regarding new editions of KSP's books, newscuttings re KSP, draft screenplay adaptations by other writers of KSP's stories, and papers relating to the KSP Centenary, 1983. (See also folder 155)

Research material for Wild weeds and wind flowers (File 89) - Box 12 (MS 8071)

Research material for biography 'Wild weeds and wind flowers': correspondence re Dorothy Hewett's article on Prichard in Overland, no.43, including correspondence with Stephen Murray-Smith and letters from A.D. Hope and Jack Lindsay, 1970-1972 (this controversy prompted Throssell to write a biography of his mother).

Research material for Wild weeds and wind flowers (File 90) - Box 12 (MS 8071)

Chronology of events

Research material for Wild weeds and wind flowers (File 90) - Box 12 (MS 8071)

Work plan

Research material for Wild weeds and wind flowers, 1972 (File 91) - Box 12 (MS 8071)

National Library research notes

Research material and correspondence re Wild weeds and wind flowers, 1972 (File 92) - Box 13 (MS 8071)

Interview notes and Library research notes

Research material and correspondence re Wild weeds and wind flowers, 1970-1973 (File 93) - Box 13 (MS 8071)

Correspondence re Commonwealth Literacy Fellowship, 1971-1973; correspondence re biography, 1970-1972.

Research material and correspondence re Wild weeds and wind flowers, 1972-1987 (File 94_97) - Box 13 (MS 8071)
Research material and correspondence re Wild weeds and wind flowers, 1979 (File 98) - Box 13 (MS 8071)

Notes for lecture re biography

Wild weeds and wind flowers: 1st draft (File 99_103) - Box 14 (MS 8071)
Wild weeds and wind flowers: 2nd draft (File 104_105) - Box 14 (MS 8071)
Wild weeds and wind flowers: 3rd draft (File 106_108) - Box 15 (MS 8071)
Wild weeds and wind flowers: draft index (handwritten) (File 109) - Box 15 (MS 8071)
Wild weeds and wind flowers: draft - cuts from text (File 109) - Box 15 (MS 8071)
Wild weeds and wind flowers (File 109) - Box 15 (MS 8071)

Two final drafts with photographs, 1972 (bound)

Wild weeds and wind flowers (File [unnumbered]) - Box 16 (MS 8071)

Script of ABC radio broadcast, 1975

Wild weeds and wind flowers: reviews, 1975-1977 (File [unnumbered]) - Box 16 (MS 8071)
Letters of condolence on Prichard's death, 1969 (File [unnumbered]) - Box 16 (MS 8071)
Papers re Prichard's estate, 1969-74 (File [unnumbered]) - Box 16 (MS 8071)
Production of 'Brumby Innes', 1972 (File [unnumbered]) - Box 16 (MS 8071)

Photographs, news release, promotional material re production of Brumby Innes by the Australian Performing Group

'Brumby Innes', 1973 (File [unnumbered]) - Box 16 (MS 8071)

Introduction to new edition (MS and typescript)

Production of 'Bid me to love', 1973 (File [unnumbered]) - Box 16 (MS 8071)

Papers re production of 'Bid me to love' by Canberra Repertory, 1973 (includes letters re song 'Bid Me To Love')

Article by Ric Throssell, 1976 (File [unnumbered]) - Box 16 (MS 8071)

"Katharine Susannah Prichard's vision of Australia" by Ric Throssell, 1976 (typescript)

"Katharine Susannah Prichard's legacy to children's literature" by Ric Throssell, 1976 (typescript for Children's Book Council Seminar) (File [unnumbered]) - Box 16 (MS 8071)
Correspondence, etc re Straight left, 1978-1980 (includes Mss and T/S of Foreward) (File 110) - Box 17 (MS 8071)
Corrected proofs of Tribute: selected stories of Katharine Susannah Prichard, c1987-1988 (File 111_113) - Box 17 (MS 8071)
Correspondence re permissions to publish Katharine Susannah Prichard's works, 197?-1979 (File 114) - Box 17 (MS 8071)
Correspondence re proposed film of Working bullocks by Ridge River Films, 1977-1978 (File 114) - Box 17 (MS 8071)
Correspondence re new editions of KSP's works, 1969-1979 (File 115_117) - Box 17 (MS 8071)
Correspondence re new editions of KSP's works, 1980-1983 (File 118_121) - Box 18 (MS 8071)
Episodes 1 and 2 of an ABC television adaptation of Intimate strangers by B and J Bell, 1980 (File 122_123) - Box 18 (MS 8071)
Screenplay of Haxby's circus by Cliff Green, 1982 (File 124) - Box 18 (MS 8071)
Correspondence with Curtis Brown and others re film version of Brumby Innes, 1980-1985 (File 125) - Box 18 (MS 8071)
Screenplay of Brumby Innes by J.B. Smythe, 1982 (File 125) - Box 18 (MS 8071)
2 screenplays of Brumby Innes by John Smythe, with comments by Ric Throssell, 1981-1982 (File 126) - Box 19 (MS 8071)
Screenplay of Brumby Innes by J.B. Smythe, 1983 (File 127) - Box 19 (MS 8071)
Correspondence re film version of Coonardoo, 1970-1974 (File 128) - Box 19 (MS 8071)
Screenplay of Coonardoo by Richard Lane, 1973 (File 129) - Box 19 (MS 8071)
Correspondence re film of Coonardoo, 1975-1979 (File 129) - Box 19 (MS 8071)
Correspondence with Curtis Brown and others re film of Coonardoo, 1977-1979 (File 130) - Box 19 (MS 8071)
French translation of Coonardoo, by Helene Jaccomard, 1986 (typescript photocopy) (File 131) - Box 19 (MS 8071)
Screenplay of Coonardoo by Chris Notsis, 1987. Includes letters to Curtis Brown and Mark Pernell indicating dissatisfaction with the adaptation (File 132_133) - Box 19 (MS 8071)
Papers re Katharine Susannah Prichard Centenary (1983) and correspondence with KSP Foundation, 1986-1988 (File 134) - Box 20 (MS 8071)

Also includes corrected typescript draft of "Delos of a Sun God's race or Mammon's Desmesne: Katharine Susannah Prichard's Australia", a paper by Ric Throssell for the Australian Literature Seminar at the University of Stirling, 1983

Correspondence with Fellowship of Australian Writers and other papers about the KSP Centenary and associated events, 1983-1984. Includes lecture by RPT: "Katharine Susannah Prichard the flowering", 1984 (File 135) - Box 20 (MS 8071)
Newscuttings re KSP, 1981-1985 (File 136) - Box 20 (MS 8071)
"Katharine Susannah Prichard: of an end a new beginning" by Kay iseman, Arena, no. 54, 1979 (File 136) - Box 20 (MS 8071)
"Katharine Susannah Prichard: writer of conscience published in Japanese journal The New English classroom, 1987 (File 136) - Box 20 (MS 8071)
Contents and introduction for Tribute: the short stories of Katharine Susannah Prichard, 1984 (File 136) - Box 20 (MS 8071)
Correspondence with Curtis Brown and UQP, and reviews re Tribute, 1984-1989. Includes some marked-up texts of articles (File 137) - Box 20 (MS 8071)

Series 5. Career in Foreign Affairs and Security Classification Problems, 1949-98

The story of Throssell's career is told in his autobiography My Father's son. The material in this series is extensive, and offers more detail than appears in the book. It includes a large number of letters, memoranda and documents relating to himself. Many of these are photocopies of documents he has obtained, with great difficulty, from the Australian Archives and relate to himself as a security risk.

Correspondence and papers, 1955-1969 (File 138) - Box 20 (MS 8071)

Correspondence with Christian Jollie Smith re the Petrov Inquiry hearings, 1955; letter from his barrister Frank Lovat praising his appearance before the Petrov tribunal; job applications, 1955-1959 (for jobs outside the Department of External Affairs); references, 1957-1969

Newscuttings re the Petrov Inquiry, 1955 (File 139) - Box 20 (MS 8071)
Papers re promotion appeals in Department of External Affairs, 1955-1957 (includes a memo from Arthur Tange) (File 140) - Box 20 (MS 8071)
Correspondence, minutes and other papers re security classification problems, 1965-1975 (File 141) - Box 20 (MS 8071)
Promotions and appeals, 1949-1974 (File 142) - Box 21 (MS 8071)
Application for job as Administrator of Norfolk Island, 1975 (File 142) - Box 21 (MS 8071)
Papers re career in External Affairs, 1956-1969. (Includes job applications and appeals) (File 143_144) - Box 21 (MS 8071)
Personnel and salary matters, 1968-1970 (File 145) - Box 21 (MS 8071)
Papers re career in Foreign Affairs, 1969-1978. (Includes job applications and appeals) (File 146) - Box 21 (MS 8071)
Papers re career in Foreign Affairs, 1974-1980 (File 147) - Box 21 (MS 8071)
Papers re official visit to Europe, 1980 (File 148) - Box 21 (MS 8071)
Papers re appointment as Director of the Commonwealth Foundation, London, 1979-1981 (includes correspondence and cablegrams) (File 149) - Box 21 (MS 8071)
Commonwealth Foundation, 1980-1983 (File 150) - Box 22 (MS 8071)
Commonwealth Foundation - list of contacts, 1979-1982 (File 151) - Box 22 (MS 8071)
Commonwealth Foundation, 1980-1985 (includes papers re plans for retirement following a period of illness) (File 152) - Box 22 (MS 8071)
Correspondence with Peter Bayne (ANU) and others re proposed appeal to Security Appeals Tribunal, 1986 (File 153) - Box 22 (MS 8071)
Newscuttings re Freedom of Information, 1986-1988 (File 153) - Box 22 (MS 8071)
Australian Archives photocopying requests and application forms, 1985-1986 (File 154) - Box 22 (MS 8071)
Copies of Archives security papers re Katharine Susannah Prichard (1919-1954) (File 155) - Box 22 (MS 8071)
Copies of Archives security documents re RPT, 1949-1955 (File 156) - Box 22 (MS 8071)
Copies of Archives security documents re RPT, 1956-1979 (File 157) - Box 22 (MS 8071)
Papers re the Royal Commission on Intelligence and Security, 1974-1977 (includes a transcript of his evidence before Mr Justice Hope, August 1975) (File 158) - Box 23 (MS 8071)
Application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, 1953-1972 (File 159_161) - Box 23 (MS 8071)

Papers re application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for release by the Archives of papers relating to himself and Katharine Susannah Prichard, 1986 (includes released documents, 1953-1972, such as letters from Arthur Tange to Brigadier Spry, 1955 and copies of ASIO interview transcripts).

Papers re requests under the Freedom of Information Act for the release of various documents, 1986 (File 162) - Box 23 (MS 8071)

Series 6. Correspondence, 1948-88

Mostly personal correspondence and correspondence files relating to matters not covered in Series 2-4.

Personal correspondence, 1948-1961 (includes correspondence with Peter Heydon, Alan Renouf and others) (File 163) - Box 23 (MS 8071)
Correspondence re Commonwealth Literacy Fellowship, 1957-1958 (File 163) - Box 23 (MS 8071)
Correspondence, 1969-1975 (File 164) - Box 23 (MS 8071)
Correspondence, 1972-1973 (File 165) - Box 23 (MS 8071)
Correspondence, 1974-1977 (File 166) - Box 24 (MS 8071)
Correspondence, 1976-1986 (File 167) - Box 24 (MS 8071)
Correspondence, 1979-1986 (File 168) - Box 24 (MS 8071)
Correspondence, 1980-1983 (File 169) - Box 24 (MS 8071)
Correspondence, 1984-1986 (File 170) - Box 24 (MS 8071)
Correspondence, 1986-1987 (File 171) - Box 24 (MS 8071)
Correspondence re support for the ALP in the 1975 election campaign (File 172) - Box 24 (MS 8071)
Family insurance valuations, 1980 (File 172) - Box 24 (MS 8071)
Letters to the ABC complaining about publicity for a production of Intimate Strangers, 1980-1982 (File 173) - Box 24 (MS 8071)
Correspondence re Wesley College Hugo Throssell Memorial Peach Prize, 1982-1983 (File 174) - Box 25 (MS 8071)
Correspondence and clippings re presentation of Hugo's Victoria Cross to the People for Nuclear Disarmament, 1984 (File 174) - Box 25 (MS 8071)
Correspondence and other papers re the working of Martha Ansara's nuclear protest film 'The Pursuit of happiness', and the production of his daughter Karen Throssell's book of the same title, 1985-1988 (File 175_179) - Box 25 (MS 8071)

Series 7. Letters from Katharine Susannah Prichard, 1943-69

Over one thousand letters, mostly written weekly.

Letters from Prichard, 1943 (File 180) - Box 25 (MS 8071)

Includes Subject Index to letters for the period 1943-1969.

Letters from Prichard, 1944 (File 181) - Box 25 (MS 8071)
Letters from Prichard, 1945-54 (File 182_189) - Box 26 (MS 8071)
Letters from Prichard, 1955-63 (File 190_197) - Box 27 (MS 8071)
Letters from Prichard, 1964-69 (File 198_203) - Box 28 (MS 8071)

Series 8. Canberra Repertory Society, 1953-80

Includes newscuttings, programmes, newsletters, scripts and production notes reflecting Throssell's involvement in Canberra Repertory.

Various papers including copies of newsletters, 1953-1956 (File 204) - Box 28 (MS 8071)
Newspaper cuttings, 1954-1967 (File 205) - Box 28 (MS 8071)
Assorted theatre programmes, 1953-1980 (File 206_207) - Box 29 (MS 8071)
Script and production notes for 'Bid me to love', 1973 (File 208) - Box 29 (MS 8071)
Scripts of assorted productions (File 209) - Box 29 (MS 8071)
Scripts (File 210) - Box 29 (MS 8071)

Papers re production of 'Childermas' by Thomas Keneally.

Papers, 1969 (File 211) - Box 29 (MS 8071)

Papers re production of 'Childermas' by Thomas Keneally.

Papers, 1979-1980 (File 212) - Box 29 (MS 8071)

Papers re the Committee of Enquiry into drama in the ACT, 1979-1980 (Ric Throssell was a member of this Committee).

Series 9. Photographs and Negatives

Unsorted family snapshots (File [unnumbered]) - Box 30-31 (MS 8071)

Class MS Acc00.222. Consignment received 2000 - Box 1-6 (MS Acc00.222)

Comprises correspondence, drafts, reviews, articles, talks, notebooks and cuttings relating to Throssell's works 'My father's son' and 'Breaking the codes', and a screenplay of his mother's 'Black opa'. Also included are files on Throssell's involvement with Writers Against Nuclear Arms (WANA).

Contained in 6 boxes.

Class MS Acc17.098. Consignment received August 2017

This consignment comprises papers relating to Throssell's career as an author and in the theatre and includes correspondence, drafts of his writings, papers, and photographs. There is a large group of papers relating to screen, theatre and radio adaptations by Throssell of works written by his mother, Katharine Susannah Prichard. There are also papers relating to Prichard, including several letters from her to Dorothy Irwin and a group of her published works, all of which she has inscribed

Correspondence and papers, 1946-1993 (File 1) - Box 1 (MS Acc17.098)

Mostly relating to Throssell's adaptations of his mothers works. Includes a typescript headed 'Chapter 3 - New Theatre: prospects for production'.

Correspondence, c1943-1967 (File 2) - Box 1 (MS Acc17.098)

Letters from Prichard to Dorothy Irwin (1946-1964); transcription of a letter from Miles Franklin to Prichard (1943?), and photocopies of letters of Aileen Palmer (1967) re Prichard's book 'Subtle flame'.

Correspondence, 1989-1990 (File 3) - Box 1 (MS Acc17.098)

Re film rights for 'Working Bullocks' and screenplay of 'Black Opal'.

Haxby's Circus', 1991 (File 4) - Box 1 (MS Acc17.098)

Screenplay adaptation by Amanda Smith.

Brumby Innes', 1992-1995 (File 5) - Box 1 (MS Acc17.098)

Correspondence and script for radio adaptation by Dickon Oxenburgh.

Winged Seeds', nd (File 6) - Box 1 (MS Acc17.098)

Script of an adaptation of Prichard's novel 'Winged seeds', created as a tribute to her by Suzanne Ingelbrecht.

Poetry of Katharine Susannah Prichard, nd (File 7) - Box 1 (MS Acc17.098)

A small writing pad containing handwritten poetry.

Papers and correspondence, 1984-1997 (File 8) - Box 1 (MS Acc17.098)

Includes papers relating to a play based on Prichard's autobiography 'Child of the hurricane'; correspondence about uses of Prichard's works; a paper entitled 'History of Brumby Innes'; photocopies of letters from Prichard to Miles Franklin (1930-1952); a biographical note on Prichard by Throssell; and correspondence with the National Library about depositing Prichard's papers.

Haxby's Circus', 1979-1996 (File 9) - Box 1 (MS Acc17.098)

Papers and correspondence relating to adaptations of 'Haxby's Circus'. Includes a radio broadcast (1979-1980) and theatre production by Carolyn Burns, including the script (1995-1996).

Correspondence, 1989-1996 (File 10) - Box 1 (MS Acc17.098)

Regarding adaptations of Prichard's books: 'Intimate Strangers', 'Black Opal', and 'Roaring Nineties'. Includes drafts of an article by Throssell about 'Intimate Strangers'.

Correspondence and papers, 1989 (File 11) - Box 1 (MS Acc17.098)

Script of a play entitled 'Saved again' by Throssell, together with correspondence with publishers regarding his mother's works.

Coonardoo', 1988-1995 (File 12-17) - Box 2 (MS Acc17.098)

Correspondence and papers relating to a film adaptation of Prichard's book 'Coonardoo'. Includes correspondence re option rights; draft script by Throssell (1989), and a film treatment by Pat Hunder (1998). There is also a response by Throssell to aboriginal criticism of the book.

South Sea Gold Bay', 1965 (File 18) - Box 3 (MS Acc17.098)

Script of a play for children by Throssell.

Jackpot', 1997-1998 (File 19) - Box 3 (MS Acc17.098)

Correspondence and papers re Throssell's novel, 'Jackpot'. Includes correspondence synopsis and draft typescript; correspondence with the publisher, launch arrangements, and cuttings.

My father's son', 1997 (File 20) - Box 3 (MS Acc17.098)

Correspondence and papers re publication and launch of Throssell's autobiography 'My father's son: the last knot untied'.

In a wilderness of mirrors', 1991-1992 (File 21) - Box 3 (MS Acc17.098)

Correspondence and papers elating to Throssell's novel, 'In A Wilderness of Mirrors'.

Black opal', nd (File 22) - Box 3 (MS Acc17.098)

Script of Throssell's screenplay based on his mother's novel 'Black opal'.

Papers and correspondence, 1994-1997 (File 23) - Box 3 (MS Acc17.098)

Papers relating to the twin launch of Throssell's novel 'Tomorrow' and a revised edition of his autobiography 'My Father's Son'. Includes reviews, news cuttings, and the transcript of a talk by Throssell at the U3A. Also correspondence re a novel by Throssell entitled 'Yesterday's Comrades'.

Papers and photographs, 1942-1994 (File 24) - Box 3 (MS Acc17.098)

Black and white photographs of Throssell that include portraits, at events he attended, and one of him in uniform (1942); two Xmas cards (1942); and biographical notes on Throssell. Also publicity photos of Throssell and Norma Ferris for an ABC reading of his work 'Wild weeds and windflowers : the life and letters of Katharine Susannah Prichard'.

Papers, 1991-1994 (File 25) - Box 3 (MS Acc17.098)

Drafts of addresses given by Throssell; edited drafts of papers entitled 'For the Unknown Soldier: another dedication' and 'The Undoctored Word'; manuscript notes headed 'Time lines'; typescripts of Throssell's eulogies for Ken Kinsman and Ralph Wilson eulogy and of a tribute to Judith Wright.

Family history (File 26) - Box 3 (MS Acc17.098)

Typescript timeline/chronology of family and world events by Throssell for the period 1883-1995.

Family papers, 1915-1973 (File 27) - Box 3 (MS Acc17.098)

Includes a booklet on Lt Throssell VC 'An Old Northam State School Boy'; two letters from Hugo Throssell 1926; uncaptioned early photographs; articles on Prichard and Throssell; playbill from production of Prichard's play 'Bid me to love'; letters to family from Throssell (1969-1974); reviews of a production of Prichard's play 'Brumby Innes'; letter from Prichard to Colin Roderick re a proposed visit from her niece (1968); and a pamphlet on Napier Waller Murals.

Free for All at Forty Four', nd (File 28) - Box 3 (MS Acc17.098)

Script of a comedy play by Throssell.

Correspondence and papers, 1962-1998 (File 29) - Box 4 (MS Acc17.098)

Mostly comprises Memorandum of Agreement documents with publishers. Also correspondence with publishers about both Throssell's and Prichard's works.

Photographs, 1860's - 1975 (File 30-31) - Box 4 (MS Acc17.098)

Mainly family photographs. Includes studio portrait of Hugo Throssell and still photographs from the making of the 1916 film 'The Pioneers', based on a novel by Prichard, and from an undated production of 'Brumby Innes'. There are also three dinner menus (c early 1900s) each with an original pen and ink illustration of characters from 'The Pioneers' by an unknown artist.

Negatives of photographs (File 32) - Box 4 (MS Acc17.098)

Photograph, nd (File 33) - Box 4 (MS Acc17.098)

Early black and white photograph annotated 'Grandmother Fraser and family'.

Published books of Katharine Susannah Prichard, 1916-1959 (File) - Box 5 (MS Acc17.098)

First edition copies of Prichard's books, inscribed by the author: ' The Pioneers' (1916); 'Black Opal', includes annotations in the body of the work with what appear to be amendments by Prichard and also small photographs pasted in (1921); 'Working Bullocks' (1926); 'The Wild Oats of Han' (1928); 'Fay's Circus' (1931); 'Golden Miles', with dust jacket (1948); and 'N'goola and other stories', issue No.1 of limited edition of 100 copies (1959). There are two copies of the play 'Brumby Innes'', one of which has the bookplate of Henrietta Drake-Brockman, and contains photographs of some of the characters from whom the play is drawn and the script appears to be annotated in Prichard's hand. The script of the second copy is also annotated and has three pages of typescript amendments inserted between pages 42-43, and a 1928 press clipping glued on to the title page. Inserted into the book 'Fay's Circus' is a typescript headed 'Chapter VI' of what appears to be text for 'Intimate strangers', together with a single unidentified page of text, and a carbon copy of a letter from the Australian Society of Authors to publishers William Heinemann regarding a breach of copyright concerning it's members by the republishing of 'A century of Australian short stories' (1967).

Published books of Katharine Susannah Prichard (File) - Box 6 (MS Acc17.098)

Copies of Prichard's books, inscribed by the author: 'Windlestraws', first edition with news cutting about Holloway Gaol affixed to front flyleaf, undated but inscribed in 1916; 'Coonardoo', first edition (1930); 'Haxby's Circus', with dust jacket (1932); 'The Real Russia', undated but inscribed 1934; 'Intimate Strangers' (1937?); 'Black Opal', with dust jacket (1946); 'Winged Seeds', first edition with dust jacket (1950); and 'Child of the Hurricane', first edition (1963); 'Happiness', first edition with dust jacket (1967). 'The Earth Lover and other verses', hand printed limited edition No. 65 of 75 (1932) with two typescript inserts one headed 'To H.V.T. and followed by a poem of dedication, the other headed 'A thought for Bee', Ceylon, 1915, followed by a poem and then a handwritten note about it's inclusion by Prichard. 'Clovelly Verses', a booklet of Prichard's poetry, in which are inserted two pages with poetry, one headed 'For Bee', Xmas 1915, containing the same poem as that inserted into 'The Earth Lover' (as identified above) and one headed 'The Dagoba at Deila', Xmas 1915 (1913).


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