Afford, Max, 1906-1954

Max Afford was born in Adelaide in 1906. He was a versatile writer of novels, plays and radio serials. He worked for the ABC in Sydney and freelanced for local radio stations. His stage plays were commercial successes at a time when overseas productions were preferred. His wife was actor, designer and art teacher Thelma Thomas. She was born in Broken Hill in 1908. Her professional theatre career began with the avant-garde Ab-Intra Studio Theatre in Adelaide. After moving to Sydney and marrying Max Afford, she designed costumes for the Independent Theatre (1941-1947) and the Minerva Theatre(1946-1949). She was the costume designer for pageants and several early ABC television productions, most notably J.M. Barrie's "The twelve pound look". This was the first play on Australian television. She spent her later years as an art teacher.