Bennelong in London, written by award-winning Muruwari playwright Jane Harrison, is a thought-provoking theatrical work that examines the complexities of Aboriginal history and cultural representation.

The play follows Sebastian Anderson, an actor preparing to portray Woollarawarre Bennelong—a prominent Aboriginal man captured by Governor Arthur Phillip and taken to Europe.

As Sebastian grapples with portraying Bennelong, the play interrogates questions about authenticity in Indigenous performance: should actors possess deep cultural knowledge alongside technical skills?It also explores who has the authority to tell Aboriginal stories and how these narratives should be presented.

The spirit of Bennelong, portrayed by Googoorewon Knox, offers a nuanced perspective on his life, reconstructed through colonial records that often omit his own voice.

This absence becomes central to the play’s themes, challenging audiences to consider whose histories are preserved in archives and whose voices have been silenced.

The production, directed by Ian Michael, balances historical reflection with engaging dialogue, using naturalistic set design featuring native Lomandra grass and symbolic Gymea lilies to evoke Country within an urban setting.

Through its layered exploration of identity, memory, and cultural resilience, Bennelong in London provides a fresh perspective on one of Australia’s most significant historical figures.