Our Country’s Good: Theatre That Transforms

A compelling examination of colonization, the purpose of imprisonment and the transformative power of theatre, Our Country’s Good by playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker is must-see. I had the pleasure of attending the opening night performance by students of the Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media’s Theatre program on April 2, 2025.

“We left our country, for our country’s good”

Based on historical events, the play centers around the landing of the First Fleet in Australia, its transported prisoners and the first English theatrical production in the land. One of the central themes of Our Country’s Good is the transformative power of theatre. For the convicts, acting in The Recruiting Officer, offers a temporary escape from their harsh realities. Mary Brenham (played by Meaghan Rohleder) portrays Silvia with passion, showing how theatre provides the convicts an opportunity to be more than their circumstances allow. It offers them a form of freedom, even within their captivity. 

Killara (played by Jade Wood). Credit: K. Schellenberg

Killara (played by Jade Wood) is a standout. Killara’s presence symbolizes the enduring impact of colonization. Quietly observing interactions between officers and convicts, Killara’s costume evolves from a plain grey blanket to one covered with red handprints, black crosses, chains and red ribbon. This transformation reflects the gradual yet far-reaching effects of colonization both in the past and present.

The play also explores the purpose of imprisonment: punishment versus rehabilitation. While Major Ross (played by Samuel Njiru) represents the harsh, punitive mindset, others like Second Lieutenant Clark (played by Taha Ali) advocate for the redemptive power of performance. It’s important to note that many of the convicts are petty criminals—victims of harsh laws for minor offences. This reality showcases the flaws in the justice system and its failure to offer rehabilitation.

After the show, I had the opportunity to sit down with two of the cast members—Taha Ali (playing Second Lieutenant Clark) and Samuel Njiru (playing Major Ross/Midshipman Harry Brewer)—to discuss their experiences.

Reflecting on a sold out opening night, including an unexpected power outage, both actors expressed pride in how the cast and crew navigated the situation. “Opening night was very memorable,” Taha shared. “We had some technical difficulties, but we powered through.”

Samuel echoed Taha’s sentiment, adding, “Despite the challenges, it went really well. I’m proud of the team. We held our ground, and the show must go on no matter what.”

When asked about the challenges they faced in their roles, Taha mentioned the physical demands of maintaining the rigid posture of Second Lieutenant Clark, while Samuel highlighted the difficulty of playing multiple characters with distinct voices and mannerisms.

Regarding the messages they hope the audience takes away, Taha shared, “I want the audience to know that they are so much more than the boxes society puts them in. Art—especially theatre—and the community it builds transcends social barriers.”

Congratulations to the show director Dr. William Kerr and the students of the theatre program for another riveting production. Best of luck with the remaining performances.

Don’t miss your opportunity to watch this play! Tickets for the show can be purchased online through Eventbrite for only $10.00 (plus Eventbrite fees). For behind the scenes looks and to watch an official trailer, check out @umanitobatheatre on Instagram.

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Our Country’s Good

By Timberlake Wertenbaker
Directed by Dr. William Kerr
April 2-5, 2025
John J. Conklin Theatre, Gail Asper Performing Arts Hall 
150 Dafoe Road, West Tache Arts Complex, UM Fort Garry campus 
Wednesday to Saturday – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday – 2:00 p.m.
Runtime is 150 minutes (There is one 15-minute intermission.)

Simran Bala