Two Brothers (Hannie Rayson)
07 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
This play stirred up a little controversy when it was first performed as the Costello brothers (Peter, Treasurer and would-be PM for the liberal party, and Tim – CEO of World Vision) saw a little bit too much of themselves in the brothers of the title. In doing so, this is a tremendous admission of guilt on Peter’s behalf, as the character he believes was based on him is totally morally and spiritually corrupt.
Two Brothers tell the story of well, two brothers, on different sides of the political divide. James (better known, unfortunately as ‘Eggs’ – ugh how trite) is the Type A personality wannabe Prime Minister currently serving as Minister for Homeland security. Tom (who thankfully doesn’t have a ridiculous nickname) is a refugee lawyer heading up a charitable foundation. Hmmm… easy to see the Costellos have been at least part of the pattern here, and Rayson herself is willing to admit they were part of her inspiration.
Clearly the two brothers don’t always get along, but an asylum seeker tragedy on Christmas Day (based on the sinking of the Siev X) sets a whirlwind of events into motion. A lone survivor witnesses Australian Naval ships at the site of the tragedy – who did nothing. Presumably on Eggs’ orders. It is the classic story of pragmatism versus morality. We’ve probably all read and seen it before. It is saved from complete superfluousness by the tiny insertions that show that Tom is also not perfect, and by the sad ending that shows how humanity enables vicious manipulators like Eggs. At least this gives us a little more to talk about.
There is nothing really here to blow our socks off, although it does contain a thinly disguised rib at Andrew Bolt (who incidentally vociferously wrote against the play and its political agenda) so that gives it extra points in my book.
