Battle Of Waterloo

Starting with an opening night acknowledgement to country from elder Lyall Munro, Kylie Coolwell’s debut play Battle Of Waterloo refuses to be bogged down in sentimentality or sorrow. Instead the members of the Indigenous family at the heart of this story love each other honestly and openly; sometimes with a love that is messy and full of hurt and anger, at other times fiercely protective.

The obvious camaraderie amongst the cast bleeds through Coolwell’s prose as conversations happen over cups of tea, swear words are flung at each other and small touches such as a clip over the ear or a shy half-smile turn these relationships into something more than just a theatrical construction.

Luke Carroll is energising as the garrulous Ray, while Roxanne McDonald’s sometimes prickly Aunt Mavis is wonderfully calming presence, commanding respect from all around her and providing the role model for Shari Sebbens’ strong, independent Cassie who feels the pressure of always being the responsible one.

Though there are moments when Sebbens could rein in her performance, the quiet moments she shares with Carroll when Cassie and Ray are mercifully left alone or Cassie’s joyful interactions with Aunt Mavis when things are going well are when Sebbens is at her best.

Played out on a set that gives a real sense of community, Battle Of Waterloo is a powerful way for Coolwell to begin her career as a playwright.