Comments on: Breaker Morant | The Troupe Theatre at the Reginald Theatre, Seymour Centre

By: james unkles

james unkles — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 09:52:34 +0000

interesting comments. I saw the play last week and enjoyed speaking about its history and the manner in which the play is seen in the current envioment in which the convictions and sentences are being reviewed through petition to the Crown and judicial appeal. Ultimately, the play has much relevance and can be judged on many levels, a challenge for any experienced or aspiring actor. Perhaps, it is coincidential, but the play has suddenly found popularity, reflected by the legal action to have the convictions over turned and pardons granted. My suggestion, any actor seeking to play the roles of Thomas, Witton or Morant, take time out to study the history of these men, the protestations in the letters of Thomas, Witton’s book that he wrote in 1907 and more. Study their lives and then take the stage! What I saw last week on stage was a lack of appreciation of who these men were and translating this to the stage!

By: Augusta Supple

Augusta Supple — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 03:14:01 +0000

Thanks for writing in John,
Yes – it wasn’t just the SMH, but Crikey that laid the boot in on this show due to a lumpy opening night.
In this instance I am writing not to audiences/potential punters – but to the artists in this show.
I know for a fact that no-one wants to be in a turkey, no one wants to be blamed for its failure. No-one wants to feel humiliated or scared or ashamed on stage.
Accidents happen.
I don’t think the opening night was the best version of this production – but I don’t need to review that – the people in it know it already too well. Additionally anyone who saw that particular performance also would have felt the pain.
Nerves, inexperience, illness – whatever. People have a right to fall and fail.
For me the choice is then to ask is blame the best mechanism for growth?
Pride is a powerful thing – and I’m sure the show’s opening night teething problems will be settled though it’s run.
If it’s not – well- lots more learning needs to be done.
But yes – let’s not forget – this is Independent theatre – not mainstage theatre. The resources (time and money) are sometimes quite limited.

By: Augusta Supple

Augusta Supple — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 03:06:09 +0000

Hi Dashiell,
Thanks for that link – very interesting.
I think in light of the idea of “How do we as artists/audiences/critics deal with failure” discussion – when there is an actor who dries on stage – or an inexperienced actor on stage – how do we regard them?
What is risk?
What can/should be risked?
And how do we deal with it when it doesn’t work out according to plan?

By: John Winters

John Winters — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 02:34:59 +0000

I couldn’t agree more. Jason Blake really should know better. Having seen the show last night, I was more than a little shocked recalling Blake’s smart arse review. Clever puns a review does not make, and Blake more than anyone should be able to differentiate between a mainstage well funded and resourced show to an independent production. He was nasty just for the sake of it and the show is really rather ok.

By: Dashiell

Dashiell — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:19:49 +0000

I think this is an interesting companion piece to your response Augusta.

http://m.guardian.co.uk/stage/theatreblog/2012/feb/24/stage-perfection-exciting-failure?cat=stage&type=article