Theatre / “Become the One” by Adam Fawcett, directed by Lyall Brooks. At Belco Arts, May 26-27. Reviewed by BILL STEPHENS.

“BECOME the One” is the first play by Victorian Adam Fawcett. It won the 2018 Playtime Award for new queer writing and has been remounted in 2022 for an extensive tour of Victoria. This short season at Belco Arts comes at the end of that tour. 

Thoughtful, witty and entertaining “Become the One” explores a romantic relationship between a high-profile AFL footballer and his openly gay partner, written from the perspective of the partner.

Tom is a top AFL player in line for a Brownlow Medal. He lives alone in a trendy high-rise apartment. When he finds himself attracted to Noah at their first meeting, he resists the attraction by putting on a gruff front. Noah, who is in no doubt about his own sexuality, tests the ground with playful banter. 

Despite his denials that “he is not gay”, Tom employs Noah as his cleaner and their relationship quickly becomes passionate. Eventually Tom invites Noah to move in, but on the condition that their relationship remains a secret from his associates, especially his mother and his adoring fans.

Although Noah agrees to this arrangement and understands Tom’s reasons, he continually questions Tom about the authenticity of his feelings. However, on the eve of the announcement of the Brownlow Medal, Tom announces he will give up his football career as proof of the importance of their relationship to him. Noah is shocked and begs Tom to reconsider.

Stylishly directed by Lyall Brooks with the intimate scenes frankly and sensitively staged, the play is presented in an attractive astro-turf setting that cleverly evokes Tom’s luxury high-rise apartment complete with replica Eames chair. 

Atmospheric musical links by Tom Backhouse cover the quick costume changes to denote the passage of time. This became a little confusing at Belco Arts as, apparently, the actors couldn’t move behind the set so had to do a quick dash in front of the audience to be on the correct side for their entrances.

Perfectly cast, both actors gave compelling performances. Chris Asimos was perfectly believable as Tom, the buff champion footballer fighting to understand his sexuality but terrified it would become public knowledge. Similarly, Mason Gasowski’s portrayal made it easy to understand Tom’s attraction to Noah’s flamboyance while capturing Noah’s insecurity about the depth of Tom’s feelings and difficulty in accepting that he had “Become the One”.