All Boys

Testosterone filled new play All Boys, from every other theatre company, tells of ten boys attending an all-boys Catholic school in Sydney, between 2009 and 2014. Set during the time of the Royal Commission into Institutional Sexual Abuse, it looks at that issue as well as bullying, hyper-masculinity, generational and institutional privilege, and what boys will do when they believe that they are immune from consequences.

The professional premiere of this interesting and possibly introspective play (the author is a product of a school very like the one shown), the production is thoughtfully directed with ten superb young male actors, a few years older than the boys they portray, giving their all in highly charged, well-drawn performances.

Liam Longley as Hugh is perhaps the closest to the central or catalyst character, who is understandably traumatised by an atrocious bullying act committed against him in Year Seven - a beautifully crafted journey of a performance. He slowly forms a relationship with Patrick, a high achiever, with the ability to tread many fine lines, intelligently portrayed by James Grant. Mate Scott, a witness to the abuse, has his own journey, expertly performed by Ray Teakle- character we grow to like who then makes a terrible choice.

Samuel Bennet as Jack V beautifully captures a young boy driven to succeed and determined to fulfil the dreams he imagines from an absent father. His ‘debating team’ scenes with scholarship boy Jack C (a quiet but strong Jarrad Inman) and eventual drug dealer Jack M (a cocky but vulnerable Ethan Gosattij) are especially poignant.

Nathan Calvert delivers a very empathetic performance as the beautifully awkward Connor, desperate for friendship and struggling with his burgeoning sexuality. His scenes with “new boy” Will, (a compelling Jono Battista are fine theatre.

James Ford and Declan Cooper complete the cast, playing bullies, but giving them flesh and depth.

Our all-boys schools have had such a great influence on many powerful men, and consequently on society as a whole; it is a wonder that the culture of the institutions us not examined more frequently in art and literature.

While at times this is not easy viewing and the power of ten young men chanting in unison in a small space threatens to overwhelm, this is a fascinating show, with much to say. Strong performances and interesting writing make this ell worth seeing.

Kimberley Shaw