THEATRE

“Breaker Morant”

By Kenneth G Ross, directed by Jarrad West at The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre, until March 31.

Reviewed by Joe Woodward

EVERYMAN Theatre’s “Breaker Morant” showcases the depth of male acting talent (along with one female, Andrea Close) in the ACT.

Director Jarrad West has assembled a strong cast to shape the tensions of this engaging play.

Driven by Duncan Ley’s Morant and the constant provoking of Duncan Driver’s Major Thomas, the language and drama of this notorious historical event hold the audience in awe throughout the whole performance.

The Courtyard Studio provides an excellent venue for the minimal set which focuses very much on the characters.

The relationship between the men in a stressful wartime situation is most effective in the connection created between Robert DeFries’ (Lt. Peter Hancock) and Ley’s Morant. Their spontaneous responses to the constant threats and momentary victories are highly entertaining; making the audience feel as if a part of the courtroom.

In a production with many highlights, Graham Robertson provides beautifully constructed cameo appearances as Doctor Johnson and Pieter Van Rooyan. Jasan Savage, looking as if he has just stepped out from a photograph from the era, provides the suitable antagonism that drives the action of the play.

PICTURED: Duncan Driver and Duncan Ley.