The Ambassador

Morris West (1916–1999) was born in Australia, but lived for extended periods in Italy, Austria, England and the USA. West started writing novels in the 1950s. He is the author of thirty novels and has sold more than 60 million copies of his books worldwide in over twenty-seven languages. West helped to found the Australian Society of Authors, was chairman of the National Book Council, chairman of the National Library of Australia and a fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science. He was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1997. West also wrote screenplays, radio dramas, plays and was also an artist.

Noel Hodda is known for his work in theatre, film, television and radio both in Australia and overseas. He has had continuing guest roles in many series, including Water Rats, Heartbreak High, Murder Call, E Street, Big Sky, Sons and Daughters, 1915, Cyclone Tracy and A Country Practice. Theatre work includes plays at the Sydney Theatre Company, the Queensland Theatre Company, the Q Theatre/Railway Street, Griffin Theatre Company and Marian Street Theatre as well as national and international tours.