Set in the penal colony of New South Wales, Australia, in 1789, Our Country's Good follows the true story of the performance of a play by the convicts there. Read more …
Dealing with the brutality of the British penal system, where floggings are routine, and stealing food punishable by hanging, the fact that a play is being rehearsed by one of the more enlightened officers becomes the pivot around which revolves the debate over punishment versus rehabilitation.
Shocking, but with moments of ironic comedy and a love story, it is both a unique and deeply moving play.
The story of the re-emergence of their humanity and potential through the staging of the play is a tremendously moving one, illuminated here by a terrific central performance from Jess Thigpen as wild Liz Morden.
The closing scene is met with rapturous applause; now fully costumed and with musical instruments, the actors present their piece. Sadly, we all know that this time of hope is but a momentary escape from their reality.
Tron Theatre, Glasgow from Thursday May 8, 2014, until Saturday May 17, 2014. More info: www.tron.co.uk
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