Media: BOOK - paperback, 152 pages
Author: . J, Cook
Year: 1992
Other: 62 illustrations

From the Introduction

As the end of a century draws near, it is natural to look back and see what has been accomplished. This twentieth century has seen momentous changes in all areas of life, and many of them have been documented elsewhere. As I have known and seen rather special women (and some men) reach the end of their lives, I feel it is important to tell to following generations the work which absorbed them and which moulded the cultural life of Brisbane, as well as Influencing the whole State of Queensland.

This work in the field of Speech and Drama has grown throughout the century, c hanging and developing as the needs of society changed.

I'he impetus for the research which became this book, was the 50th Anniversary of the Speech and Drama Teachers’ Association of Queensland, in June 1989. This small Association has shown in its minute books, the women who started the work in Brisbane, and the important decisions they took in the development of that work.

The first steps along the path were taken early in the century, as these women were bom and came to Australia, but the path becomes defined in 1916, which I have made my starting point; although it is possible to find the rough track which led to the path.

I have researched and explored the path, noting the major signposts as Speech Teachers, still often called Teachers of Elocution (which simply means to ‘speak out’), have adjusted to changes of technique, developed a wider vision of the subject, and sought to maintain professional integrity

The vision of the first teachers has been reinforced by those who have followed, and those who continue to work in this most rewarding profession. The names and work of the pioneers needed to be shown to those who did not know them. As the next generation travels along the path, may they reflect on those who led the way, and experience the same beauty and joy. ‘...the path that looks

    as if it led to some legendary
    or fancied place where folk have wished to go.

J.M.COOK, Brisbane

Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1 Beginnings—1916-1939
Chapter 2 New Horizons—1940-1944
Chapter 3 Challenges—1945-1953
Chapter 4 Recovery—1954-1962
Chapter 5 The Winds of Change—1963-1970
Chapter 6 A Room of Our Own—1971-1975
Chapter 7 Return To Reality—1976-1979
Chapter 8 New Hope—1980-1983
Chapter 9 Celebrations—1983-1990
Appendix Officials and awards of Speech and Drama Teachers of Qld
List of Photographs
Index