Scotland Island Residents Association is delighted to present a new historical fiction play based on two women important to the history of Scotland Island. The play is coming to the island community hall in June.
The history of Scotland Island is replete with stories about men – most notably Andrew Thompson (a former convict) and Herbert Fitzpatrick (a land developer). But we know very little about the women associated with the island. The opening of the Two Catherines Café, in August 2019, was the first step in redressing this imbalance. But to understand more about the role Catherine Benns and Catherine Bouffier played, we needed a story.
Catherine Benns was born on Bar Island in the Hawkesbury River in 1838 and moved to Scotland Island in 1874 when she married Jo Benns. She filled a very important role in Pittwater as a midwife and was often rewarded by her grateful clients with jewelry.
Catherine Bouffier (nee Gatenhoff) was born in Sydney in 1857 and married into a German family with a winery, the Bouffier Bros. When her husband died in 1898, she took over the family’s wine business and became a prominent Sydney figure.
The play is staged around a wine exhibition by Bouffier on Scotland Island. The gathering of island residents keen to taste the wares includes Jo Benns who, unbeknown to Bouffier, knows where his wife hid her treasure but is reluctant to say.
A hunt for Benns’ treasure begins but a chorus of ‘wife-swappers’ intercept the searchers and exercise their right to a toll. But who will pay the toll? The notorious Tilly Devine reveals she has information crucial to their search.
The play is a new piece from a young playwright, Jasper Marlow. It is professionally directed by Elvina Bay resident Sophie Lepowic with the musical score and original songs produced by internationally renowned guitarist and composer Markus Plattner.
Mainlanders and other offshore communities are encouraged to join in the fun amateur theatre production.
Performances
16 and 17 June,
7.30pm, Scotland Island Community Hall
23 and 24 June,
7.30pm, Scotland Island Community Hall
Tickets are available for purchase here.
Adults: $30 Concession: $15
Program
- 6.45pm – Doors. Refreshments and bowls of beef stroganoff or Brazilian beans will be available.
- 7.30pm – Play commences.
- 8.30pm – Play concludes. The audience is invited to stay and mingle until 9pm.
Transport
Ferry
Arrive by 7.00pm ferry (Friday), 6.30pm ferry (Saturday) to Tennis Wharf.
Water Taxi
Available on 0428 238 190 as an alternate and can accommodate up to six people @ $36 per trip.