‘Blackrock’ (13 – 22 May, 2010)

The Playhouse, Civic Theatre, Newcastle
 A Tantrum Theatre Production Play By Nick Enright

Review by Fern York

Blackrock, written by Maitland born play-write Nick Enright, is a confronting story based on actual events that took place in November 1989 in Stockton, across the bay from Newcastle, NSW. A beach party, thrown by young locals, ended in tragedy when a teenage girl was raped and bludgeoned to death with a rock. Tantrum Theatre’s production of Blackrock, directed by Brendan O’Connell, has a minimal set, with the sand covered stage the centre for the drama that unfolds.

The close-knit community of fictional town Blackrock must come to terms with what has happened to local teenager Tracy and uncover the mystery of who is responsible for her violent assault and murder. Tantrum Theatre’s production captures the emotional despair of the local community, friends of the murdered girl and the young men responsible for her rape and murder. Further enhancing the atmosphere of the performance is the original music score by Zackari Watt. Blackrock is a highly relevant piece of theatre. Most young Australians have been to a party similar to Toby Auckland’s beach party in Blackrock. Sadly, binge drinking is all too common in our communities. Mix into the scene young men and women exploring adulthood and sexuality. Thankfully most parties are relatively harmless, but there is an edge of danger, too.

Blackrock touches on issues of sexual consent, attitudes of disrespect towards women and misogyny. The young men of Blackrock are lovable bogan larrikins, finishing school and looking towards the future. The language these young men use to describe women is typical oka slang: slag, slut, ‘she was asking for it’ – etc. This attitude sets off the first warning bells. When these young men are fuelled by alcohol and drugs at a party and are egging each other on, the result is the gang rape and murder of teenager Tracy.

Tracy’s friends are also at the party and these young women find themselves faced with their relatives and friends responsible for Tracy’s rape and murder. The police investigation continues but the guys are bound by ‘mateship’ to cover each other’s backs. The talented Tantrum Theatre actors gave a superb performance. The play is an important homage to a young life needlessly lost. It is also a statement about the importance of educating young people about respect and consent. This party tragically ended in murder. Many similar parties result in sexual assault, and this is rarely talked about or confronted in our communities.

The power of the Blackrock is that these issues are tackled head on. Tantrum Theatre’s production brought this important play to life.