In Conversation with Beng Oh | Soldier Boy
- TW
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
In this week's Backstage Blog, we get to chat with director Beng Oh about his upcoming show Soldier Boy, coming to Theatre Works this month!
Soldier Boy by Anthony Hill has been adapted from Hill's novel Soldier Boy for the stage, which will be making it's Premiere on the Theatre Works stage! Following the story of 14 year old, Private James Martin, on his journey to Gallipoli in World War 1, this is an important, contemporary retelling of the ANZAC legacy.
Continue reading below to hear all about Beng's experience directing this visually and emotionally charged play!
Q. What should audiences expect when they come to see 'Soldier Boy'?
A. Audiences should expect a moving account of the short life of Private James Charles Martin, a boy who went to war for Australia and never came back home. The production is faithful to his story, thanks to the meticulous work of Anthony Hill, the playwright, but it’s not a documentary. Our production is centred around Jim’s end of life visions as he lies dying aboard the hospital ship, the Glenart Castle, anchored off the coast of Gallipoli. There’s a feverish quality to it, with distortions in time and use of space. It’s a war play, but not the type you expect. For instance, there are no heroic charges over the hill to stirring music. It’s very theatrical though, and hopefully entertaining.
Q. You’ve been working quite collaboratively with the playwright, Anthony Hill. What has that process been like?
A. We’ve worked very closely with Tony. The first part of our rehearsal period was akin to a creative development. Tony, the cast and I worked through the script in detail, looking at the various scenes, tasting the language, checking the dramaturgy and finding out what worked and what didn’t. Tony took our feedback on board and, after a few more drafts, came back with the final rehearsal version of the script. We’ve had a break, the actors are off script, and we’re now intensively rehearsing and making the show. Tony’s contributions have continued though, as he’s generously shared his research with us, which has been invaluable in creating the world of the play and the characters. He’s also been ready with answers to any questions we have, and has been a fantastic resource.
Q. As it is the premiere of the play, what are you most looking forward to audiences seeing?
A. Jim’s short life and terrible death resonates with me, and I hope it does for the audience as well. Over and above that, it’s the actors I’m excited about. I have a terrific cast of eight talented actors who are a joy to work with, and I’m really excited for the audience to see their wonderful work.
Q. What do you hope audiences will take away after seeing 'Soldier Boy'?
A. I hope the audience will have empathy for Jim and the choice he made to lie about his age and go to war. I hope they will also ponder Jim’s suffering and death. At the end of the day, what was it all for? What was the value of his sacrifice?
Q. What has been the most memorable moment through this creative process?
A. Oliver Tapp, who plays Jim, our soldier boy, was himself in the cadets. Watching Oliver take the cast through army drills for the first time was a moment I’m not likely to forget. I hasten to add, we’re all much better at it now.
Don't miss out on the first ever showing of this huge work, coming to Theatre Works this June 19! Only here until July 5... Click the link below to secure your seats!
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