By MICHELLE HERBISON
BREAKER Morant is “just as relevant today” as when Kenneth Ross wrote his famous play about the Australian’s tragic fate in the Boer War.
That’s the opion of Torquay Theatre Troupe director Michael Baker who has started tri-weekly rehearsals for a local production of Breaker Morant to debut, appropriately on Anzac Day, at the town’s Senior Citizens Hall.
“People are still getting screwed over by big power due to political reasons,” Baker asserted.
The courtroom drama follows the trial of Morant and army comrade Peter Handcock for the murder of 12 prisoners of war in South Africa.
The pair was executed in 1902 despite maintaining they were merely following orders.
“Regardless of the evidence they got the raw end of the deal all for the political gain of England,” Baker said.
“These guys who were Australians were fighting in a behind-the-lines military organisation set up by the British to combat Boers by fighting and using guerrilla tactics using their own game. They were following orders and doing what they were supposed to do for their jobs.”
Baker said the group to perform the production comprised experienced Torquay Theatre Troupe actors and newcomers.
“Probably about 30 per cent are regulars from Torquay Theatre Troupe and others are from Geelong. We’ve got some brand new people as well as people who are teachers of theatre and work in the industry,” he said.
“It truly is a community effort.”
Baker said the role of “villain” Lord Kitchener went to Australian military lawyer Jim Unkles who spent four years researching the case and sent a petition to the Queen to review the trial, arguing it was unfair.
“Jim came to us as a supporter of the troupe and said he got himself involved with looking at this case. He vehemently defends their position and has taken it upon himself to see about having Morant and Handcock exonerated posthumously.”
The troupe will debut its production of Breaker Morant 8pm on 25 April. The show runs until May 11,with a 2pm matinee on 28 April.
Tickets cost $20 or $15 from concession card-holders at Surf Sight Optical or by phoning 5261 5449.
