Many of us will have relatives who were involved with and affected by this chapter in the “war to end all wars”. Mark Wright’s highly skilled exploration of a range of characters who were part of the Gallipoli campaign, in World War One, is highly engaging and full of humanity.
We see people of high and low status, an ordinary kiwi bloke, a brazen Aussie, an aristocratic English general, world-weary doctor, a private, and other colourful but always truthful characters. These are people all affected by the situation, with the horror of war often only meters away.
Wright has a flair for inhabiting a wide range of characters, portraying them with depth and complexity. There is a fair amount of wry humour and witty observation, mixed with the brutal reality of being on the front line. There is a great attention to detail and authenticity both in the story telling and the costumes and props.
This is a solo show that needs to be seen by people of all ages, those who know very little of this part of history, and those who recall the stories passed down through the generations. Wright has written, directed and performs this excellent 90-minute show, that is extremely relevant, now more than ever.
Highly recommended and a very welcome addition to range of quality theatrical offerings on now in Auckland. A short season, so book now and bring a relative or friend!
Review by Cameron Rhodes
