The Christian Brothers by Ron Blair. Performed by Bill Boyd, directed by Geoffrey Borny. Presented by Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Thursdays to Saturdays October 15-24, 8pm. Matinees: Friday 16th, Thursday 22nd, Friday 23rd at 10am. Bookings: 6293 1443.
At its first production, 34 years ago, The Christian Brothers could easily be seen as an indictment of the Catholic Church. Today, the play remains a classic because Blair's writing reveals far more. The original message is not lost, as ex-Catholic school men in the audience showed by their reactions at the special preview last Wednesday. But the theme as we see it now is not about the Catholic faith, nor about a particular religious faith, not even about religious faith at all.
Geoffrey Borny had the good sense, as we would expect from someone of his professional standing and experience, to allow Bill Boyd time to let Blair's words seem to slip out of the mouth of The Brother, as if by accident rather than deliberate intention. Even though Boyd is not a great actor – I found myself imagining Geoffrey Rush in the role – the effect is powerful as we, being addressed as if in his class, gradually realise that this teacher is at breaking point. It is both frightening and sad.
The Brother's breakdown turns on the same issue we all face in the modern world, and indeed in times past as well as presumably in the future. How could it be, for example, that reconciliation with indigenous people was pushed aside in political power play in 2000 and still struggles to revive 10 years later? How could it be that people invented completely unsustainable forms of financial investment for their immediate gain but inevitably for longer term collapse? What has happened to moral integrity in a world replete with intellectual knowledge and technical capacity? As Borny notes, The Brother asks the question "What does it profit my pupils to pass exams in such subjects as Mathematics, English or History, if they suffer the loss of their immortal souls?"
At the end, as he paints a representation of bars of a tiny prison cell, we know that The Brother's loss of religious faith represents the bigger loss in us all of sincerity and ethical purpose. It's a credit to Tuggeranong Arts Centre that they offer strong theatre of this kind. Take the opportunity to see it.
©Frank McKone, Canberra
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