Adelaide Fringe review 2019: Kokoda
A one-man show that shines a light on the tribulations of the troops who defended Australia on the Kokoda Track.
Theatre
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Kokoda
Theatre
Rating: ****
Star Theatre Two, Star Theatres
Until March 11
The 39th Infantry Battalion which was involved in the two main battles to defend the Kokoda Track against the Japanese were initially not highly thought of in Australia. Derided as “chocolate soldiers” who would melt in the heat of battle, they proved their critics wrong and would go on to become a proud chapter in Australian military history. Young South Australian actor Jayden Marshall takes the stage alone to tell the story of a Victorian lad who sets out with his mates as part of the 39th, ill-trained and unsure what to expect. Marshall does a stellar job, capturing the naivety and self-confidence of the young man, which soon turns to cynicism towards war and those who wage it at the top levels, and an empathy for those he has to fight. Peter Maddern’s script delivers enough history along with the protagonist’s humanity to make the story accessible for those with no knowledge of the Kokoda campaign.
— Cameron England
The Ides of March
Shakespeare ends up in ancient Rome as part of this laugh-out-loud semi-historical farce.
Girl Shut Your Mouth
Expect to come away reeling from a play that is all too true to life performed by this excellent cast of young actors.