Our Country’s Good

Timberlake Wertenbaker’s play was commissioned by Max Stafford-Clark back in 1988 – and is as powerful today as it was back then. Based on Thomas Keneally’s novel The Playmaker it tells the story of a group of deported convicts who are involved in a performance of Farquhar’s The Recruiting Officer. The rehearsal process of the play within the play exposes the extremities and injustices of the ‘justice’ system of the time; it cleverly exposes the role of actors in performance, and at the same time, of audiences. The convicts are debased, sexualised creatures, the officers debased blood hungry animals, and amongst them Governor Phillip and Ralph Clark have a vision of a new order, a redemption.

Out of Joint’s marvelous ensemble production is packed with tender and terrifying moments; moments of levity are destroyed by moments of cruelty and violence. Tim Shortall’s clever set would be best seen in a more intimate space perhaps, but this does not detract from the claustrophobic atmosphere of the convict camp. Simon Darwen shines as Governor Phillip and as Wisehammer, Kathryn O’Reilly is magnificent as Liz Morden, and Jessica Tomchak gives a moving portrayal as Mary Brenham. Max Stafford-Clark directs, as ever, with a steady hand and a clear vision – first class.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 11 November 2014

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