The Democrat (play)

The Democrat, or Under the Southern Cross is a 1891 Australian stage play by Edmund Duggan about the Eureka Rebellion. It is the first known stage play on this conflict. It was revived in 1897 under the title Eureka Stockade.

The play was Duggan's first produced play.

1891 Production: The Democrat
According to The Bulletin the original production: Fizzled out after a disastrous season of one consecutive evening, despite the fact that Frank Cates, as “ a gambler-roue,” was starred on the bills in conjunction with the Eureka Stockade, the defence and capture of which historic enclosure provided the central sensation. On Monday night, prior to returning the money, the author came before the curtain, and, thanking those present (about 100) for their support, informed them that his play had been promised the support of the Trades and Labour Council and Socialists’ League. Then embracing the house with a comprehensive swoop of his arm, he asked bitterly : “ Where are they?” To which query a raucous voice from the wings replied sorrowfully : “ Thirty-five is paid.” Another review said " From a literary standpoint the drama is weak, and altogether it is void- of merit, so far as construction and 'situation is concerned. "

The Sydney Morning Herald said the audience "though rather small, made up in enthusiasm what they lacked in numbers, and heartily applauded all the performers."

1897 Production: Eureka Stockade
The 1897 production was more successful.

Bert Bailey appeared in this production the first time he worked with Duggan.

Under the Southern Cross
Duggan later wrote Under the Southern Cross about the wreck of the Dunbar and the Eureka Stockade.

One review said "Edmund has taken unwarrantable liberties with Australian history, and mixed up the Eureka Stockade and the wreck of the Dunbar most ridiculously; also, it is not Australian, but full of earls and lords and charitable ladies, and similar novelette tommyrot. I could make a better play myself with hammer and tacks, and the Shearers' Strike, and the raid on the wire netting."