Harry Power and the Boy Bushranger

Hello folks, This is to tell you about my latest theatrical enterprise. It is a one-man narrative play entitled "Harry Power and the Boy Bushranger". Set in the wilds of north-eastern Victoria in 1870, this is the true story of Henry Johnstone, alias Harry Power, arguably the most successful bushranger in Australia's history and his relationship with his star pupil, the teenage Ned Kelly. Harry was an ex-convict and a highwayman in the classic mould. He had an uncanny ability to appear from nowhere in the path of a mail coach, then disappear just as mysteriously into the bush, having relieved the occupants of their valuables, only to reappear somewhere else many miles away within a very short space of time. He is officially recorded as having committed more than 25 robberies in the period of just over one year. Unlike his immediate predecessor, 'Mad Dan' Morgan and his successor, Edward 'Ned' Kelly, Power never shed blood, nor even did any physical injury to any of his victims. In many ways, he was a 'Robin Hood' style character and frequently handed money back to those he had just robbed, upon learning that they were even poorer than he. As a vigorously-hunted fugitive from justice, Harry's lifestyle necessitated the reliance on the good faith of numerous 'supporters', whose loyalty did not always come cheap. Among these were the Quinn-Lloyd-Kelly clan, the heir apparent to which was a surly 15 year old youth known as 'Ned'. Harry took Ned on as his apprentice for a time, teaching him how to survive in the bush and avoid capture. It was this relationship which eventually led to Power's downfall. Harry Power was captured and gaoled for 15 years, of which he served full term. Meanwhile, Ned Kelly went on to become a cop-killer, bank robber, high-priced outlaw and political terrorist, thus earning himself the mantle of national icon. Harry was still in Pentridge with 5 years left to serve when Ned was hanged in 1880. He died a free man in 1891, aged 72. The play is written and performed by yours truly and will have its world premier at Fairbridge Festival, Pinjarra on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 April 2007 at 6-30 pm and 7-30 pm respectively. It runs for about 50 minutes and is rated G, although those easily startled by gunfire are duly cautioned. Hopefully, this will be a foundation for a full-length, full-cast play in due course. So, come along and be part of history. Cheers, Peter (Stinger) Nettleton