A live script reading of Alan Seymour's "Lean Liberty"

A television play commissioned by the ABC but rejected as too controversial in 1960, with its writer denied payment for his work, will finally receive its first-ever Australian performance when Alan Seymour's 'Lean Liberty' is presented as a live reading at Sydney's New Theatre on Wednesday 9 December 2026, directed by Denny Lawrence.

More than 66 years after the ABC refused to produce the play, 'Lean Liberty' remains strikingly relevant. Set in Australia during the height of Cold War anti-Communist paranoia, it tells the story of Peter Jameson, an engineer whose professional life is threatened when his past membership of the Communist Party comes to light. When his employer demands that staff complete a questionnaire about their private lives, Jameson refuses on principle. Despite being a capable and valued employee, he finds himself facing dismissal and is offered the chance to keep his job only if he signs a loyalty declaration. His refusal puts his marriage under strain, costs him his job and leaves him facing an uncertain future. Even an alternative offer of well-paid work in China comes with its own political strings attached, forcing Jameson to confront the price of compromising his principles.

The ABC considered the play too sympathetic to the Communist cause and rejected it, refusing to pay Seymour for the script. Seymour subsequently took it to Britain, where it was produced and broadcast on ITV in 1962, with an Australian setting and largely Australian cast. It is a remarkable piece of Australian theatrical and television history that, until now, Australian audiences have never had the opportunity to see it performed here.

While 'Lean Liberty' is rooted in the political anxieties of another era, its themes could hardly be more contemporary. In an age of cancel culture, ideological conformity and public scrutiny of personal beliefs, the play asks uncomfortable questions about freedom of thought, political tolerance and the right to hold unpopular opinions without paying a professional or personal price. How far should employers be able to investigate an individual's political beliefs? Can someone be judged on their past associations rather than their present actions? And what happens when standing by your principles means losing everything?

Director Denny Lawrence says he is delighted to be bringing the play to Australian audiences for the first time:
'I'm a big admirer of Alan's work and it's very exciting to be directing the Australian premiere of this story which is set entirely in Australia. It's also a thrill to be doing it at the New Theatre which has such a strong history of political engagement in Australia.'

The first Australian performance of 'Lean Liberty' offers a rare opportunity to rediscover an overlooked work by the acclaimed author of 'The One Day of the Year' – and to consider just how little some of the battles over freedom of expression and political intolerance have changed.

The cast includes
* Paul Bertram
* Brandon Burke
* John Derum
* Nathan Farrow
* Matt Foster
* Noel Hodda
* Nicholas Papademetriou
* Sarah-Jane Starr
* Chris Stollery
* John Stone

Tickets are $5 to cover room hire.