ONCE A jolly swagman met a girl, fell in love, and together they created a song that became synonymous with a nation.
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If only the story of Banjo Patterson was that simple.
Musician and playwright Felix Meagher has spent the past few years attempting to tell the story of that legendary swagman.
He’s brought to life the extensive research of his late brother-in-law, who himself spent years fixated on finding out the truth about the iconic poet.
That story will be revealed in a performance this Sunday at the Smythesdale Courthouse Hotel, the latest in a line of shows across Victoria.
Mr Meagher said Banjo Patterson met a woman called Christina McPherson and seemingly fell in love with her.
But Christina was more than just a love interest - she had also heard a tune at the Warnambool Races, a Scottish melody called Bonnie Wood O' Craigielea. That tune was put to the words of Waltzing Matilda – and a legend was born.
The play is set during the shearers’ strike of 1894, and details the problems between the shearers and the squatters and explores the romance, the “love triangle” and the mystery surrounding Banjo.
Mr Meagher said it was vital to keep Banjo Patterson’s memory alive through the dramatic arts because “we all love his poetry”, perhaps unique in its narrative style.
“People adore his poetry and he’s written some of the greatest pieces of poetry in the world. When I look for comparisons, there’s maybe Robbie Burns,” he said.
Mr Meagher said his play was self-funded and had started out so grassroots that it initially wasn’t even performed, but simply read around a table.
“We’ve performed it in many venues including woolsheds and country halls. You wouldn’t believe how well that worked. But now we’ve graduated to the full production.”
The Man They Call the Banjo will be performed at Courthouse Hotel on June 5 at 6.30pm. Tickets are $21-$36 and are available at ballarattickets.com.au/event/2642