My overall impression
Even though I knew the very real subject matter before entering, I was still surprised by the plotting and story development by the writer, Sarah Doyle. Rather than attempt to recreate the events, the play’s narrative follows the fallout of the main character, as he attempts to wrestle with obvious guilt over the events that Anaconda is based loosely upon.
Though the specifics of the terrible incident(s) are very localised, the themes of guilt, redemption, trust, love and abuse of power, are universal. As such, the play lends itself perfectly well to an American setting, regardless of the events having taken place in Australia. Anaconda raises morality questions that you will find difficult to answer, but that’s the point. Morality just may be a journey, not a destination.
The cast carry off the emotion of the play well, and the dialogue is fluid and intelligent, with much-needed bursts of humour throughout, both light and dark.
A disturbing tale, but necessary emotional and thematic terrain to explore. Well worth seeing. You will be talking about it for weeks to come.