After many years of musicals with the Argyle Society, a production with the Lieder Theatre Company and a decade with Rocky Hill Musical Theatre Company in Goulburn, Anthony Lewis (left) is turning his talents to a political thriller by playwright Chris Gordon (right). Photo: John Thistleton.
Whether appalled by or applauding politics today, people who have lived through multiple terms of government agree everything seemed better back in their day.
It’s on this premise John Burman plots to become the next Prime Minister. Without promising much at all, he could take power from a first-time Prime Minister, claiming he has the voice of the people as his mandate.
Therein lies the narrative for a new play, Vox Populi (voice of the people) that will be performed over four nights in July at the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre.
Goulburn playwright Chris Gordon, a former journalist and one-time federal political staffer wrote Vox Populi.
As a team of theatre enthusiasts developed the story for the stage, Vox Populi’s prescience on the political scene, most especially with events in America, startled them, including director Anthony Lewis.
“When I read it I thought, wow, that would never happen,” he said. “It was written before what’s currently going on in US politics. I’ve said to Chris many times, who sent the script over to the US, so they could follow it?”
Events in Goulburn’s performing arts circle have moved swiftly as well, with actors and the production team forming the Mulwaree Dramatic Arts Theatre Company to present Vox Populi at GPAC.
Lewis has been working and acting alongside Gordon for the past decade with the Rocky Hill Musical Society. After co-directing Mary Poppins several years ago he swore never to be a director again. “It’s just way too stressful,” he said.
Vox Populi changed that.
“But I love the story, it’s an amazing piece of theatre, very on-point politically. Sure, I’ll give it a go,” Lewis said when approached by Gordon for the job.
After multiple table reads and workshops Lewis is excited with the outcome. “He (Gordon) has an absolute rip-tearer of a script,” he said.
The story begins with one week remaining before the next federal election. Prime Minister Luka Zelig who rode a wave of social media support into office is facing almost certain defeat for attempting too much change too quickly.
Cara Robinson, who has written, directed and performed in many local productions, plays Zelig.
“She is outstanding,” says Lewis. “Her character and her own personality fit very well with Luka’s personality, beliefs and ideals. Cara is passionate about social justice. She is very vocal about the injustice she sees in society and that is exactly how Luka is,” he said.
Zelig lines up against John Burman, the cunning Opposition Leader promising a return to traditional values and an end to the changes. And in the wide gap between them lies the people, polarised and weaponised against each other.
Martin Sanders plays John Burman.
“Another amazing, strong actor,” says Lewis. “Martin could play any role he liked; whatever role he was given he would perform it,” he said. “His beliefs don’t align with John Burman’s, he is on the side of social justice but on stage will put that aside and put on a performance.”
Vox Populi examines the toxicity of us-against-them politics and the ease with which division can be sewn, and Lewis wants a fast-paced performance.
“I don’t want people to be able to breath because it is all happening, happening, happening,” he said. “The action takes place in a newspaper office, political offices, outside and radio station. Each of the scenes is about three to five minutes.”
Lewis, who plays a right-leaning morning shock jock (see video) and long-time mate of Burman’s, says the supporting roles are pivotal. They include a newspaper editor, journalist, Zelig’s partner, Burman’s assistant and deputy leaders.
Lead actors Martin Sanders (Opposition Leader) and Cara Robinson (Prime Minister) – pictured with Mulwaree Dramatic Arts Theatre Company director Anthony Lewis – feature in a conniving, cautionary tale about politics today. Photo: John Thistleton.
Off stage and away from rehearsals, the politically-themed production is living inside Lewis’s head, waking him at 4 am, getting him out of bed to make fresh notes and challenging him with one question:
“How do I make this the best thing that Goulburn is going to see? A real gut punch. I want it to be as good as it can be,” he said.
He hopes audiences will see good and bad in all sides of politics.
“But sometimes you don’t see the warning signs until it is too late,” he said. “I think people will come out of there (the play) saying, ‘OK, we can’t have that happening here?’
“Or can we?”
Vox Populi will be staged at the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, Auburn Street, Goulburn on Thursday 16 July at 7:30 pm, Friday 17 July at 7:30 pm and Saturday 18 July at 1:30 and 7:30 pm. To book, follow this link.
