History is a tricky thing. We usually only get one side of the story.

The roles have been cast, and soon the stage will be set as the Sydney Theatre Company (‘STC’) prepares for the world premiere of Jane Harrison’s new play, Bennelong in London on 16 July 2026. Directed by Ian Michael, who Limelight describe as “the most exciting new director of this generation. Playwright Jane Harrison has written a fascinating drama that promises to be the defining stage production at the dawn of a splendid new era in Australia’s theatre culture. As is evident from the promotional narrative, the genesis of the play’s plot emanates from history, a tragic history for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to whom we have said sorry, yet they are mere words until such time that we have opened our hearts to their love.

Before embarking upon a discussion about the play itself, and, in particular, for the benefit of the kind people overseas who have subscribed to my newsletter, I consider it vital to discuss the historical facts about Bennelong, who was a senior man of the Eora who was born in about 1764. The Eora people are an Aboriginal Australian people of the Port Jackson area. When the British first settled in Australia in 1788, or to be factual, invaded an already settled land, Bennelong served as an interlocutor between the Eora and the British, both in New South Wales and in Great Britain. And yes, he was the first Aboriginal Australian to visit Europe and return. Still, that fact, already tarnished by Cook’s erroneous declaration of terra nullius in 1770, is cloaked in the shame of our history that this senior man of the Eora was abducted on the authority of Governor Arthur Phillip, who hoped to use Bennelong to open a dialogue with the Eora people, which to be blunt, was as well thought trough as using petrol to put out a fire. Bennelong escaped his captors after several months, and after several skirmishes (the British had guns; the Eora had traditional weaponry, which was no match for gunpowder diplomacy), a tenuous relationship formed between Bennelong and Governor Phillip. Subsequently, Bennelong was taken to London, where he stayed for three years, before returning to Australia, hamstrung by alcoholism, the social plague which the British settlers introduced to Australian Aboriginals. Bennelong’s health remained poor after he returned to Australia, and he sadly passed away in 1813.

And now, we return to the play, Bennelong in London. As described on the STC’s webpage for the play: “A tenacious young actor (Guy Simon – The Tempest, The Visitors) is preparing for the role of a lifetime in his tiny apartment. Well, at the moment, it’s just an audition, but he’s hopeful! As he readies himself to become one of Australian history’s most iconic figures, his imagination conjures to life Bennelong himself (Googoorewon Knox – Hamilton, Big Name, No Blankets): a man forced to navigate his way through two cultures colliding at breakneck speed. Both actors travel back to the 1780s (hence my droll reference to Cher’s song from the 1980s), where Bennelong, now a young Wangal man, is abducted by Governor Phillip.” And from there on, the plot explores the previously mentioned history, written by the celebrated Jane Harrison, the singular voice behind the award-winning plays The Visitors and Stolen.

Googoorewon Knox is a well-known and highly respected stage actor, whose talents span both dramatic roles and stage musicals, and this brief interview with him about the role he played in Hamilton is well-worth watching:

Guy Simon has already acquired an impressive portfolio of stage roles, and I anticipate this impressive young thespian is set for a stellar career in both stage and screen. To those of you not familiar with Mr Simon, this brief interview with him will impress you:

Bennelong in London promises to be a captivating theatrical experience, featuring a script by a celebrated playwright, precise and skilful direction, and two incredibly talented actors. The play’s season commences on 16 July 2026, and the tickets are selling fast, because Bennelong will define this era of Australian theatre.

From my heart to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.