The Democrat, or Under the Southern Cross is a 1891 Australian stage play by Edmund Duggan about the Eureka Rebellion.
[5] According to The Bulletin the original production: Fizzled out after a disastrous season of one consecutive evening, despite the fact that Frank Cates, as “ a gambler-roue,” was starred on the bills in conjunction with the Eureka Stockade, the defence and capture of which historic enclosure provided the central sensation.
Then embracing the house with a comprehensive swoop of his arm, he asked bitterly : “ Where are they?” To which query a raucous voice from the wings replied sorrowfully : “ Thirty-five is paid.” [6]Another review said " From a literary standpoint the drama is weak, and altogether it is void- of merit, so far as construction and 'situation is concerned.
"[7] The Sydney Morning Herald said the audience "though rather small, made up in enthusiasm what they lacked in numbers, and heartily applauded all the performers.
I could make a better play myself with hammer and tacks, and the Shearers' Strike, and the raid on the wire netting.