Purgatory Down Under
By Stephen Klinder and Jon Williams
Directed by Alex Broun
Old Fitzroy Hotel Theatre, Sydney
Until August 17
REVIEW BY BRENDAN DOYLE
Is it possible to laugh about something as appalling as the government's treatment of asylum seekers? Judging from the opening night audience's rousing response to Purgatory Down Under, satirical theatre can be a powerful and liberating part of the struggle to overthrow current policies.
After a successful reading of the play at the Sydney Opera House on June 20 (World Refugee Day), New Mercury Theatre and the Refugee Action Coalition, who last year brought us the moving Woomera, again chose the Old Fitzroy as the venue for a short season of the new play. The proceeds of the first two nights went to RAC's activities on behalf of asylum seekers.
The play follows asylum seeker Dante and others who are saved from the hell of the high seas and taken to Purgatory Island for processing by managers Mike and Mal. They are put through a series of tests to determine whether they are fit to enter Paradise, including an Oz dictation test, with hysterical results.
Mike and Mal, played by Laurence Coy and co-author Jon Williams, are a classic comedy duo of buffoons who have been given supreme authority over their powerless victims. Even as we laugh at their foolish antics, we are reminded of the grim reality that is only a razor-wire fence away.
The writing is brilliant. The dialogue sparkles with wit and satirical bite. It's a comedy, but with moments of high drama and true pathos.
The refugees are credibly portrayed by Natalie Saleeba (who appears in The Secret Life of Us), Martelle Hammer (Blue Heelers), Craig Menaud and Hazem Shammas.
Alex Broun, who directed Woomera, brings out all the fun as well as the mixed emotions of the text.
Mark Goudkamp of RAC said it is great to be able to use the Old Fitzroy, "a high profile venue in Sydney's theatre scene, as a staging post for the campaign during the run of the play".
As an audience member, it's immensely satisfying to see theatre that views itself as part of the struggle. I came away feeling I'd been at a celebration of resistance.
Ticket prices, as we know, are a political statement too. Purgatory is good value at $24/$18 or $30 for a beer, a laksa and the show. Book on (02) 9294 4296.
From Green Left Weekly, August 13, 2003.
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