Brown’s Mart to host Fair Punishment, a theatrical gothic tale, from May 13-24 in Top End

A theatrical gothic tale is on the way for Brown’s Mart audiences, with lovers of mystery, thrillers and true crime promised to have an unforgettable night. Find out when and how you can watch.

A theatrical gothic tale known as Fair Punishment is on the way for Brown’s Mart audiences in the Top End, with lovers of mystery, thrillers and true crime promised to have an unforgettable night.

A theatrical gothic tale is on the way for Brown’s Mart audiences, with lovers of mystery, thrillers and true crime promised to have an unforgettable night.

The play, Fair Punishment, follows two siblings who live under the control of their authoritarian father.

Because of their isolation, the siblings speak a unique language and live in a surreal universe of their own imagination.

But when a “cataclysmic event” happens, as described by Brown’s Mart, the pair are forced to encounter the outside world for the first time, which shatters their belief system.

The production of Fair Punishment – which will be on show from May 13-24 (only Tuesday – Saturday from 7pm) – will feature one of the oldest theatrical forms rarely seen on stage today – full-face mask fused with text.

Brown's Mart theatre. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

It is based on French novel ‘La petite fille qui aimait trop les allumettes’ and adapted to stage by co-writers Nicky Fearn and Gail Evans – two much-loved Darwin performers.

“What drew me to this story is how two groups of people could live so close geographically yet remain so isolated and unaware of each other,” Fearn said.

“My hope is that, while audiences’ appetites for mystery, intrigue and justice are sated by this production, their curiosity and compassion for communities around them are also raised.”

The production will be directed by award-winning director Susie Dee, who has worked extensively in theatre as a performer, devisor and director in Australia and overseas for 40 years.

Dee has previously been the recipient of the Ewa Czajor Memorial Award for female directors, as well as a recipient of the Australia Council Award for Theatre.

A theatrical gothic tale known as Fair Punishment is on the way for Brown’s Mart audiences in the Top End, with lovers of mystery, thrillers and true crime promised to have an unforgettable night.

Playing the narrator role of ‘Alice’ in Fair Punishment will be Merlynn Tong, an on-the-rise performer and writer who has previously performed at Brown’s Mart in 2021.

Most recently, Tong presented his production, Golden Blood, at the Sydney Theatre Company and Melbourne Theatre Company in 2024.

Multi-award winning set and costume designer Dann Barber will lead the charge to transform the stage into chaos.

Barber’s credits include work with Ilbijerri Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, Malthouse Theatre and many more.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://bma1.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/141571

SEE THE FULL FAIR PUNISHMENT TEAM

Co-Writers Gail Evans & Nicky Fearn

Director Susie Dee

Designer Dann Barber

Lighting Designer Tomm Lydiard

Composer and Sound Designer Matt Cunliffe

Performers Gail Evans, Nicky Fearn, Merlynn Tong, Thomas Midena, Melanie Mununggurr

Produced by Brown’s Mart & Business Unusual