[THEATRE REVIEW] TRUTH @ Malthouse Theatre Review (2025)
Is he a hero or a villain, a revolutionary or a zealot?
Fair questions to pose about a man who spent seven years in exile and a further five in prison.
Of course, I speak of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, the subject of a powerhouse new play from Patricia Cornelius, directed by Susie Dee.
In short, TRUTH works through Assange’s entire timeline – from childhood to the present day.
A five-strong ensemble (Emily Havea, Tomas Kantor, James O’Connell, Eva Rees and Eva Seymour) dramatise his rise and fall through pivotal moments in his life.
The small troupe has enormous impact with its energy and physicality.
Havea, Kantor, O’Connell, Rees and Seymour showcase the convicted felon’s big ideas and modest, student-led start.
Hacking features prominently, as does the publication of classified documents and allegations of raping two Swedish women.
The piece covers Assange seeking refuge and then asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, and his subsequent imprisonment in Belmarsh Prison.
Words used to describe Assange include nerd, freak, weirdo, geek, dork, smart, arrogant, smug and different.
TRUTH also details the story of American activist and whistleblower Chelsea Manning.
So, too, former National Security Agency (NSA) intelligence contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden.
There is a sense of urgency about how this highly creative work unfolds.
Staging and sound play a significant role in enlivening the narrative.
Matilda Woodroofe is the set and costume designer, while Kelly Ryall is the composer and sound designer.
Paul Jackson is responsible for the lighting and Meri Blazevski serves as video designer.
As you enter the Merlyn Theatre at Malthouse Theatre, a big glowing neon sign, simply reading TRUTH, is positioned above a steel catwalk. In turn, the catwalk sits above five cages. Jail looms large.
To the left and right are five desks, upon which sit computers. Alongside each desk is a chair and a three-drawer filing cabinet.
At the front of the stage is a litany of microphones (journalists descended in large numbers at every news conference that Assange gave).
Throughout the show, projected words and video imagery are accompanied by potent music stings to maximise impact.
The various elements that make up the production combine seamlessly, resulting in a potent cocktail.
It is clear what writer Cornelius thinks about the drawn-out saga that has Julian Assange front and centre.
It is about power and control, and truth is the first casualty.
The research and effort that has gone into crafting this offering is obvious.
Eighty minutes without interval, TRUTH is bold and brilliant.
Cornelius set out to honour those who speak out, who are unable to remain silent, who risk their jobs, livelihoods and lives for the truth to out.
Susie Dee, with whom she has collaborated for many years, has injected muscularity into the work, ensuring that Cornelius has well and truly succeeded.
It is on at Merlyn Theatre at Malthouse Theatre until 8th March, 2025.
Review by Alex First Photography by Pia Johnson