’37’ // Melbourne Theatre Company

’37’ was chilling.

As ‘37’ embarks on its second tour, it’s no surprise that the show delivered yet again, leaving the audience thoroughly impressed. The cast, led by Ngali Shaw, commanded every scene and interaction through his vulnerability and meaningful choices behind Nathan Maynard’s words. Shaw’s portrayal of Jayma was grounded and powerful, creating an earnest character through his direct and deliberate approach. His performance resonated deeply, capturing the raw emotional stakes of a young man navigating identity, expectations, and the weight of history. Alongside Shaw, a stellar all-male cast carried the currency and importance of this narrative. Syd Brisbane (The General) is impossible to overlook due to the relatability of his character. His stern yet subtly insecure presence generated a familiar figure of authority—one that many would recognise from their own experiences in the world of local footy.

Isaac Drandic’s direction was remarkably evident throughout ‘37’. Drandic cultivated authentic interactions between small-town football players, crafting moments of camaraderie, conflict, and vulnerability. By fostering the significance of ruthlessness within the game and within the players themselves, his scenes grew intense and jarring, immersing the audience in the emotional weight of the story. Drandic collaborated with Waangenga Blanco as co-choreographers to interweave the traditional movement of Marngrook with the physicality of modern Australian rules football. This fusion of dance and sport was one of the production’s most striking elements, reinforcing the deep cultural roots and significance of the story being told. The sequences were both breathtaking and visceral, elevating
the production beyond a simple sports drama into a deeply moving theatrical experience.

Dale Ferguson’s set design was visually simplistic yet compelling. The familiar locker room setting held the characters close, becoming a space where they fought, bonded, and revealed their deepest fears and desires. This intimate setting amplified the personal stakes of the narrative, creating a microcosm of masculinity, tradition, and transformation. Despite the traditional focus on the stage, the actors made full use of the entire theatre, drawing the audience into the performance in every possible way. Due to this immersive staging, it was nearly impossible not to feel every emotion and reaction played out on stage.

The technical aspects of ‘37’ tied the production together as a considerate and well-executed piece of theatre. Ben Hughes’ lighting design was subtle yet effective, shifting between moments of stark realism and dreamlike intensity to mirror the internal and external battles faced by the characters. James Henry’s sound composition was equally impressive, seamlessly blending the sounds of the game, the echoes of country footy fields, and traditional Indigenous music to underscore the story’s deep cultural connections. Neither element was ever distracting but instead served to heighten the intense emotion of the narrative, reinforcing the show’s impact without overpowering it.

At its core, ‘37’ is a powerful reminder of the Australia we live in—its beauty, its struggles, and the enduring spirit of its people. It does not shy away from hard truths, nor does it offer easy resolutions. Instead, it presents a raw and compelling exploration of identity, belonging, and reconciliation, set against the backdrop of a beloved national sport.

If you have the opportunity to see ‘37’, don’t hesitate. This is theatre at its finest—bold, heartfelt, and unmissable.

’37’ performs until Saturday, 22 February 2025 at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner. For more information visit Melbourne Theatre Company’s website.