Review – An Unexpected Execution
A three-hour historical play might not sound like everyone’s cup of tea, but Factory Space Theatre’s An Unexpected Execution contains enough royal rivalries, murder plots and political intrigue to satisfy any Game of Thrones fan.
Directed by Roz Riley, An Unexpected Execution is an adaptation of Mary Stuart by 19th century playwright Friedrich Schiller. As the name suggests, it tells the story of the final days of Mary, Queen of Scots – albeit with a few liberties taken with the historical accuracy, and comic relief in the form of the irreverent, fourth-wall-breaking Davison (Melissa Kathryn Rose).
For instance, one of the play’s pivotal scenes – a meeting between Mary (Michela Carratini) and Elizabeth I (Dimity Raftos) – never actually happened.
Raftos’ Elizabeth is imperious but sympathetic as a queen unwilling to spill blood but knowing her survival relies on it. Carratini as Mary alternates between sweetly beguiling and righteously angry at her treatment by the hands of the ruthless Lord Burleigh (Daniel Csutkai). (AS)
July 4-19, Star of the Sea Theatre, Collingwood Ave & Iluka Ave, Manly, $28-35, trybooking.com
BY ANITA SENARATNA
