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If one wanted to create an original play with an Australian theme, what better than to choose the subject of Aussie rules football. But to mould it into a more intriguing opus why not include current issues that ask questions, explore characters in depth and touch on elements of Australia's complicated history. First Nation person, Nathan Maynard has successfully achieved this in his play about a failing football team in a small country town, which includes two Aboriginal cousins, and all the pros and cons of rising to stardom and being accepted as a team member. So he takes us on a journey through most scenarios a footy player will experience: the training sessions, the coach's retorts, the changing room gossip, watching the replay in the bar, camaraderie both on and off the field and even the match itself, using symbolic choreography along with effective incidental music (composed by James Henry).

What is so spell-binding about Nathan's script is the rich and realistic dialogue, capturing the regional flavour of the male players with all their anal and penile fixations, rough but fertile dialogue and rapport, all of which flows seamlessly throughout the play. On top of this, amongst all the swearing and sweating, there is an abundance of rattling humour which had the packed house on opening night in fits of laughter.

But what really hits the mark is the sudden change of atmosphere in the middle of the action when an 'Aboriginal-question' is raised. So as not to include any spoilers I won't mention how this is treated suffice to say it is quite riveting in its portrayal and an example of hypnotic and poignant dramatic theatre. One could hear a pin drop in the auditorium.

This is a very polished, professional production and I can't fault its list of ten actors, all well cast, some with a long list of credits and being, apart from live theatre, regular TV and cinema actors. Of note, relative newcomer Ngali Shaw as Jayma, in an important, focused role, gives a most touching performance along with his storyboard cousin, Sonny, stirringly played by Tibian Wyles. Included with the more Aussie macho footballer roles, played with panache by Eddie Orton as Woodsy and Thomas Larkin as GJ, there is also a touch of theatrical ingenuity with the use of the country town 'joker-in-the-pack' Gorby, well played by Mitchell Brotz.

Originally work-shopped in Melbourne by VCA students and performed by MTC, Director and Co-Choreographer Isaac Drandic has created a tight and engrossing piece of theatre that will tickle your funny-bone but increasingly tug on your heartstrings as the play progresses. There were more than a few moist eyes at the end, myself included, and also one of the most sudden and electric standing ovations from the whole audience I have ever seen, standing ovations being a common occurrence in Queensland.

Incidences in football history assisting in inspiring the creators can also be found in the play, in particular reference to its title and the connection between 'Marngrook', traditional Aboriginal football, and the development of Aussie Rules football in the 1800's.

Life is more profound if you experience all the human emotions and what better a vehicle than to express it than in a live theatre surround. This production, oozing with teamwork and rapport both behind the scenes and on the stage, is a worthy addition to the Australian creative billboard and successfully achieves its goal with more than a few points!

BUY THE PLAY SCRIPT.

Brian Adamson