Q & A with The Glory writer ROSS MUELLER
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Where did the idea of the play come from? Is it true 9/11 was a trigger?
The Glory is about discussion and forgiveness. It is about misinformation and families. The idea for The Glory appeared when Australia committed troops to a war without any sort of formal discussion inside or outside parliament. 9 / 11 has triggered everything. From the way we speak to the way we feel.
Where do you see The Glory fitting into the Australian canon of 'war' plays (eg. One Day of the Year, Manual of Trench Warfare etc)?
I don’t see The Glory as a War Play. I would prefer to see it being read as a play about a family - and the themes and issues may include, conflict, secrecy, honor, duty and patriotism. The play itself is fiction, it is not based on a true story and the plot points have no relationship to historical accuracy. I have done this so the play is not bogged down with an historical reference point. I think it opens the door a little more this way.
Are there any common themes running through all your work?
Yes. I am sure there are… male / female relationships. Regional / city divide. National questions inside domestic settings… I suppose. I used to be called political, now I get labeled as a relationship writer. I don’t know. The play will dictate the theme – the content is the answer.
Tell us a bit about Concussion - the new play you’ve just had read at the National Play Festival?
It’s a rollicking landscape play – about today. The internet and good and evil. Shortening attention spans and the need for immediate gratification. It is based on the idea that a detective has been concussed – and he has a second chance at life. He cannot remember the bad things he did and so when he does – he is shocked and realises he can repair these. It is a cast of six – and has Nirvana and Nat King Cole. It has fast scenes and red lights, a bit like The Glory really.
How hard is it to get a new play produced in Australia today?
Very. Without HotHouse - there is no longer any company in Victoria dedicated to the development of new writing any more. MTC have been very supportive of my work and my development, but for new writers the opportunities in Victoria are slim. There used to be more. But that’s another political play.
What difference has The Wal Cherry Award made?
It made me feel good and helped me pay the rent for a few months. I think HotHouse programmed The Glory after the award, but I hope it wasn’t because of the award. It was a relief in many ways. I have been nominated six times before. It was great to be able to have the reading at the Fairfax and Kate Cherry said some lovely things that made me feel appreciated.
What sort of Australia are we becoming? Which ways would you like to see us head? Do you see any signs of hope with the change of federal government?
There is always hope in change. It was a wonderful thing to see Howard leave, so quietly too. Not a word after that night. I think the truth is - he ran a country based on fear and loathing. These qualities are unsustainable. Eventually people see through the lies and realise that the children were not thrown overboard and there are no weapons of mass destruction. This of course leads us to realise that six successful rises of interest rates proves that Costello and Howard were reacting - they were not enacting the economy. The Glory is about forgiveness and I think this is a good time to start talking about it. I would like to think that the Rudd Government see the opportunities that lie ahead and grasps them.
A more inclusive Australia would be a good thing. A place where immigrants are welcomed and white gloves are frowned upon. A place were more women are in the cabinet and a place where sustainable industry and trade are encouraged. A place where climate change is recognised and drought relief is real. A country that has come to terms with the past wrongs and has a focus on creating a positive and nurturing environment for all her citizens, no matter their race, creed or political background. Yes - an ideal world – where arts funding is increased and the small to mid range size companies are given another chance. A place where philanthropists fund the arts.
What’s next in your busy world?
Writing the programme notes. I am working with Back 2 Back, I am working on an adaptation of The Messenger by Markus Zusak for Canberra Youth Theatre, I have just been commissioned by MTC for a new play A Beautiful Gesture and I am trying to sell Concussion and recover from the last three years of my life.
Ross Mueller
March 3, 2008
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