Reviewed by Fran Edwards
March 2011
Probably the best known Australian soldier in the least familiar war, Breaker Morant is more than a war story, it is a story of betrayal and prejudice.
The larrakin poet Morant was well played by Matthew Randell who was completely believable as this complex man who was born in England but matured in the Australian bush. The story does not focus on whether Morant and his comrades shot the prisoners, but who ordered it.
Director Ian Rigney cast well and kept the pace fast, so necessary in a court room drama which can get bogged down. Aided by Don Oswald's interesting set which allowed the action to flow Rigney's deft movement of characters and balance of the comic elements kept the production interesting. The lighting was a little uneven in spots but this was not an easy show to light.
Paul Rodda was strong as Major Thomas and developed the sympathy for his clients' characters well. Russell Starke was exactly right as Lt Col Denny, and Drummond Jewitt gave us a Lord Kitchener it was easy to despise. Other good cameos came from Gordon Poole (Dr Johnson), Greg Janzow (Sgt Major Drummitt), Gary Harrison (Trooper Botha) and Richard Lane (Van Rooyan).
Luke Budgen and Rowen Elliott Hopkins did well as Morant's partners in adversity Witton and Handcock. Some of the minor roles were not as strong, but this did not detract from the whole.
Political point scoring and backstabbing does not end and this well written play serves as a reminder that honesty and justice are not easy to achieve when prejudice and self interest are involved.
