A rooke is the chess piece sometimes referred to as a chariot and the Queensland Theatre Company will be charioting around Australia for some time with their present production. The rooke in question is actor Steven Rooke, in the midst of starring as Kelly in the play of the same name by Matthew Ryan.
This will be the Queensland Theatre Company’s biggest tour since 2012, a massive project and ‘a massive blessing’, says Steven who is ‘touched’ by the subject matter.
With each performance he has come to know Ned very well, developing a certain liking for him and sees Ned as ‘a man with his own opinions, who stood up for what he believed in for the right reasons’.
Steven says he believes it is right to never judge a character and be positive in portrayal. Perhaps the meaning of Ned Kelly’s name is telling. ‘Ned’ meaning’ wealthy protector’, Ned was certainly the latter and ‘Kelly’ meaning ‘strife’ which he certainly encountered.
I recently spoke to Steven who has never visited Tasmania before but says he ‘cannot wait for the performance at The Theatre Royal because of its history and how ‘incredibly beautiful’ it is. As well as Hobart the production will also visit Launceston and Burnie.
The premise of the play is fascinating with just three cast members. It explores what might have happened if Dan Kelly, Ned’s brother had survived his (possible) demise at Glenrowan in 1880 … and what would happen if the two brothers had met for a final chat as Ned awaited his fate in prison; taking into account that on their last meeting Dan had attempted to shoot Ned!
At the heart of the mystery surrounding Dan Kelly’s demise, or not, are the historical records of four men who claim to be Dan, with James Ryan, who sported tattoos that are consistent with Dan, the most convincing. It’s believed that Ned himself, even with the discovery of unidentifiable bodies in the ruins of Glenrowan didn’t believe his brother had lost his life there.
To make up your own mind get along to see Kelly when it tours Tassie at the end of April.
Oh, and for those wondering Steven says he’ll hang on to Ned’s ‘hipster’ beard of which he has become quite fond … for a while yet anyway!
You can see ‘Kelly’ at the Theatre Royal on the following dates …
Thursday, 30th April 2015 – 7:30pm
Friday, 1st May 2015 – 7:30pm
Saturday, 2nd May 2015 – 7:30pm
and also on …
5 May – Theatre North Inc, Launceston 8pm
7 May – Burnie Arts & Function Centre, Burnie 8pm
Paula Xiberras
