This show is based on a celebrated Australian story documented in two novels; “The Lady of the Swamp” and “Swamp, Who Murdered Margaret Clement”. Four books on white collar fraud and unsolved Murders include this story. This story comes to light as the Clement sisters showed stoic levels of courage as it involves corruption from the top of Australian society, alienation of rights and ultimately the suspicious death of the last surviving sister.
St Kilda Writers Week had many great shows last week but the one that held the most attraction for me was the original music based on the tragedy of two sisters whose wealth and property was destroyed by ruthless local land owners and bankers on the flood plains of the Tarwin River, the story of the Lady of the Swamp.
A story of theft and deceit from over a century ago, what happened Margaret Clements and her sister still probably deserves more investigation.
Presented at Alliance Francaise in the wonderful Cellar Room, Patricia L’Nane-Freeman’s musical portrays the story in a series of songs and dramatic representation and this show was a shortened version of the show featuring the music of the play.
Fabulous songs written by Patricia are performed by her and Younger sisters Gabrielle Murphy and Jacqueline Boell with the accompaniment on guitar and vocals from songwriter guitarist Nick Tzimaris.
I believe Patricia is planning more shows in the New Year including longer more developed versions of Lady of the Swamp so keep your eyes open and we will inform you when the next time these sensational performers hit the stage.
