THEATRE: THE GOD COMMITTEE

One heart is available for transplant at St Patrick’s Hospital in New York. Three patients are eligible and a panel of seven dogmatic professionals must decide who gets it. The God Committee puts the spotlight on the topical issue of organ donations. Written by American playwright Mark St. Germain, the 80-minute production plays out exactly how an organ is matched with a recipient – revealing that such a decision is fairly devoid of objectivity. The tension of the choice is balanced with witty one-liners, ego wars and compromised opinions. With such relevant-to-now content, the plot compels, but strong character performances dominate. Sitting on the committee is a naive resident doctor, a wheelchair-bound social worker, a priest, a burnt-out psychiatrist, a punchy nurse, an arrogant surgeon, and – chairing the board – a terminally ill doctor, played impeccably by the venerable Robert Alexander.  Proving personal detachment impossible in such a scenario, the question lingers – should humans ever hold the power to play God?

Jul 23 – Aug 29, Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli, $25-65, ensemble.com.au

BY JESS NOBLE