David Williamson (1942-...) was born in Melbourne, where he studied mechanical engineering. He first became interested in the theatre at university, where he joined a drama club. After graduating, he taught mechanical engineering, while also studying psychology at postgraduate level, later becoming a lecturer in social psychology. He has written almost 60 plays, adapting some of them for the cinema, as well as original film scripts. He is a central figure in Australian theatre and is his country’s most performed playwright.

He draws mainly on middle-class Australian life and his own personal experiences, with a typical example being the break-up of his first marriage after he met the woman who would become his second wife, the author Kristin Williamson. He has a strong interest in contemporary social issues, such as the reception of refugees in his country, and euthanasia. His plays often juxtapose two opposite but equally strong points of view, while his writing is distinguished by directness and a naturalistic approach that is often accompanied by a comic or satirical tone.

 

A short list of his plays:
The removalists, Don’s party, The club, Money and friends, Brilliant lies, Dead white males, Up for grabs, Odd man out, Crunch time.

 

I am what I am. And you know who that is? Someone right at the limit of the human capability to understand the universe we live in, and I’m supposed to waste my time learning a few pathetic tricks in the hope people won’t think I’m odd because I can’t stand their superficiality and lies. (Odd man out)