Born in 1942, writer David Williamson studied mechanical engineering, then lectured in thermodynamics and studied social psychology before discarding academic life. After his early successes in Melbourne, he moved to Sydney and rose to prominence in the 1970s, becoming Australia’s most successful playwright. David’s prolific work encompasses film, television and the theatre and focuses on themes of politics, loyalty and family in contemporary urban Australia. After writing a play every year for 35 years, in 2005, he announced his retirement from main-stage productions. He was recently instrumental in the founding of a cultural festival in Noosa, Queensland, where he now spends most of his time.

(2008, 26 mins) A Screen Australia National Interest Program.

© National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.