What If You Died Tomorrow? Explained

What If You Died Tomorrow? is a 1973 play written by David Williamson. It was commissioned by the Old Tote Theatre Company for its first drama season at the new Sydney Opera House.^{[1] [2] [3]}

Background

The play has a number of autobiographical elements, being about a doctor turned novelist and journalist who have left their respective spouses to live in an artists colony. David Williamson was an engineer turned playwright who lived in an artists colony in Eltham with wife Kristin after both left their respective spouses.^{[4] [5]} Williamson's parents claimed the characters of the parents were based on them.^[6] It was Williamson's first play to deal with inter-generational conflicts on stage.^[7]

Productions outside Australia

The Old Tote production was performed in England in September 1974,^[8] making it the first full Australian production to have played in London since Summer of the Seventeenth Doll.^[9]

Proposed Film Adaptation

In 1974 it was reported Williamson had written a screenplay version.^[10]

Notes

• Kiernan, Brian, David Williamson: A Writer's Career, Currency Press, 1996

Notes and References

1. Dave. Jones. David Williamson. Cinema Papers. 1. 1 January 1974. 9.
2. News: THEATRE Very funny comedy is well produced . . Australian Capital Territory, Australia . 19 March 1974 . 8 May 2020 . 3 . Trove .
3. News: LIFE STYLE PEOPLE EXPERTS AT PLAYING OPPOSITE EACH OTHER . . Australian Capital Territory, Australia . 19 March 1974 . 8 May 2020 . 10 . Trove .
4. Kiernan p 120-122
5. Web site: ABC Radio National. David Williamson in Conversation. 25 July 2006.
6. News: The Sydney Morning Herald. Peter. Cochrane. 14 March 1997. 15. Williamson's World.
7. News: 7 September 1974. 20. The Age. Two Sides of the Australian Play.
8. http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/18146 Production details
9. Kiernan p 144
10. News: The Age. 16 November 1974. 20. Just a brief rest between his premieres. Leonard. Radic.