The Women in Black
 First edition | |
| Author | Madeleine St John |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Literary |
| Publisher | Andre Deutsch Ltd |
Publication date | 1993 |
| Media type | Print Paperback |
| Followed by | A Pure Clear Light |
The Women in Black is a 1993 novel by Australian author Madeleine St John. It is her first novel, and is the only one she set in Australia.[1]
Plot summary[edit]
The novel tells the story of a group of department store employees in 1959 Sydney. It is set primarily during the Christmas rush period when young school leaver, Lisa, joins the women.
Adaptations[edit]
In 2015, the novel was adapted to a stage musical, re-titled Ladies in Black, by Carolyn Burns with music and lyrics by Tim Finn.
The novel was also adapted into a movie in 2018, titled Ladies in Black, and directed by Australian film director Bruce Beresford. Beresford spent some 25 years trying to raise the money to make this film after securing the rights from St John, whom he'd known at Sydney University in the 1960s. He reconnected with her after their mutual friend Clive James recommended the book to him.[2]
In September 2023, it was announced the ABC had commissioned a six part series based on the book, which would see the women enter the sixties.[3][4] In November 2023, the series was confirmed to be filming in South Australia, along with the announcement of the cast.[5][6]
References[edit]
- ^ Sullivan, Jane (5 October 2018). "Turning Pages: The Joys of the Ladies in Black". The Age. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
- ^ Beresford, Bruce (9 September 2018). "At last making the film that obsessed me for 30 years". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
- ^ Knox, David (25 September 2023). "The Newsreader S3, Ladies in Black dramas funded for ABC". TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
- ^ "Screen Australia announces $10 million of production funding for nine projects". If.com.au. 25 September 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
- ^ Knox, David (13 November 2023). "Cast announced for Ladies in Black". TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
- ^ "SA lands new ABC series Ladies in Black with all-star cast". safilm.com.au. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.