The One Day Of The Year, an influential play written by Alan Seymour, takes a contentious look at ANZAC Day and the emotions provoked amongst the people of Australia in the late 1950's and early 1960's. The reactions of the day amongst the characters were very similar to the emotions developed amidst the people in that era. ANZAC Day was officially designated as a day to recognise the efforts of those who fought for Australia and New Zealand in Gallipoli, and to commemorate those who lost their lives fighting for our country between 1915 and 1918. This sacred day has not always been acknowledged as a day of solemn remembrance. In the 1950's, in particular, this day was recognised as a celebration, when all the old diggers got inebriated at the local pub. Today the people of Australia observe that ANZAC Day has steadily acquired additional layers of symbolism and meaning over the previous years. The One Day Of The Year portrays two crucial aspects of contexts. The historical context of the play demonstrates the era of change in the world that Australia was beginning to be affected by. The social context in the play establishes a powerful portrait of generational hostilities. Alan Seymour created two principal characters that reflect and challenge very different ideologies, as a result of the generational tensions. Alf, one of the primary characters, embodies everything that Seymour disapproves about ANZAC Day and it is textually evident throughout the play. Throughout this essay I will endeavour to outline the main issues surrounding ANZAC Day in accordance to the play's perspective of ANZAC day and the reality of the event.
             The controversial play, The One Day Of The Year, differentiated Australians according to the viewpoints and beliefs they once, or may still, obtain. The play demonstrates the two principal views Australians held within the 1950's. In this era, it was considered to be intellectually fashi...