Judith Rodriguez – September 15 2019

Chamberlains acquitted by Supreme Court of Darwin – September 15 1988

Judith is a poet, academic, translator and editor. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland and a Master of Arts from Cambridge University. Judith has been a writer-in-residence at Rollins College, Florida and has taught at La Trobe and Deakin universities. Her numerous volumes of poetry, some illustrated with her own linocuts, include Water Life, Shadows on Glass, Mudcrab at Gambaro’s, Witch Heart and The House by Water. She has edited an anthology and the collected poems of Jennifer Rankin; collaborated with Robyn Archer on the play Poor Johanna and, together with Vicki Pauli, written the text for the art book Noela Hjorth.

Lindy – Libretto; composer Moya Henderson
First performed 2002, Sydney Opera House
Facsimile score: Australian Music Centre [Loan only]
2 CD set; ABC Classics, 2005 [4767489]
The story of Lindy and Michael Chamberlain and the loss of their baby Azaria near Uluru is one of the defining moments in Australian history. From this unforgettable story comes a compelling and dramatic opera by Moya Henderson, in its world premiere recording. In Lindy, Moya Henderson and her librettist Judith Rodriguez have created a poetic and moving meditation on the nature of truth and hypocrisy, on Lindy’s faith and courage and on the myths of the dreamtime, all set within a melodic and communicative musical landscape that creates a powerful framework for the opera’s dramatic events.

The Hanging of Minnie Thwaites – Illustrated by Michael Brady
Arcade Publications, 2012; ISBN 9780987171405
A girl sails steerage to make good in the boom-time colonies. The 1890s Depression hits. How does a young woman with a baby make a living? Minnie Thwaites, also known as Mrs Frances Knorr, aged 24, was hanged at the Old Melbourne Gaol despite the pleas of the great and the good. Judith Rodriguez recounts in vivid verse and lyrics the bleak tragedy of a woman trying to make good against the odds. As the Brunswick Baby Farmer, Minnie Thwaites ekes out a precarious existence by taking in the unwanted babies of other women. But there is something shocking about her business that has ramifications long after her death. This is a fascinating piece of true crime, compellingly told by one of Australia’s leading poets.