It is the integral structure of the dramatic form. Inevitably, the various ‘forces’ working away/coalescing within the play will come to a head/a showdown. And so it does, to great effect,  in THE SECRET RIVER.

Convict William Thornhill has been given a pardon by Governor Macquarie pardon and with his young family set up home on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, and begin to make a good life for themselves.

The Thornhill family aren’t able to settle into their new life because a local indigenous tribe, the Dharug people, make claim that the land that they have taken over is part of the land that they own, that they call home.

Through the play, a wonderful stage adaptation by Andrew Bovell from Kate Grenville’s novel, a captivating dance/tussle takes place- they come close/ push away,  attack/defend- as both sides tackle the situation that they have been placed in.

There is so much fine detail, nuance and finesse that Neil Armfield, his creative team, and cast have put into this  immersive and educational work of theatre.

Set designer Stephen Curtis, Costume designer Tess Schofield, Lighting designer Mark Howett and Composer Iain Grandage head the creative team that so vividly create the play’s world. Music is a vital, integral part of the performance with musician Isaac Hayward playing a number of instruments from the side/apron of the side, and is joined, at times, by some of the acting troupe.

THE SECRET RIVER is such an immersive experience because we- the audience- connect so directly with the characters and what they are going through. We may not like them nor agree with them but we sure do ‘get’ them. This is the  hallmark of this production, the authenticity in the portrayals of the characters and the worlds that they inhabit.

There’s  Sal Thornhill, (a wonderful, vibrant Georgia Adamson), hankering for home, staying in the Hawkesbury is a bitter compromise for her… gruff Thomas Blackwood, (Colin Moody is so good at playing gruff), involved with an indigenous woman, who is so frustrated with the prejudice and narrow-mindedness of his fellow white folk …the black kids and the white kids who don’t want to know about all the conflict and just to be kids and play….the black fellas raiding the white fellas crop because they’re as hungry as hell.

Highly recommended, THE SECRET RIVER is only playing the Roslyn Packer theatre for a short season with the run ending on Saturday 20th February. Bookings-http://www.sydneytheatre.com.au