Breaker Morant

I saw the Old Mill Theatre production of the Kenneth Ross play last night and was most impressed. Despite the small theatre, narrow stage and big cast of mixed experience, Garry Lawrence has achieved an amazing result.

In real life, Morant was among other things a contemporary of Ned Kelly. Interestingly, they were both executed without fair trials and both ended up national legends. I sometimes wonder whether, had he not died at the age of 25, Ned might not have gone on to be an Aussie war hero too.

The play deals mainly with the 'trial' of Morant and his comrades Handcock and Witton for the murder of Boer POWs. It raises issues of justification of violence and the politicisation of the military which are as relevant today as they were in 1902. We end up sympathising with the soldiers who were 'only following orders', although what they did was really inexcusable.

Production-wise, I found the set design, AV, light and sound all very slick and supportive of the on-stage action. The cast also all handled their roles in a professional and convincing manner. I don't usually like to single anyone out for particular praise, but the two characters that linger in my recollection are Handcock and Hamilton.

Well done, all. Hope the house is full for the rest of the run.

stinger@iinet.net.au




Thou tottering reeling-ripe burn-bailey!