“The problem with my brother is that he won’t give up his principles to get
results.” Former Liberal Front bencher.
This is the story of two brothers who fierce ideological fight rips their family
apart, decimates their personal and political reputations and challenges the
moral integrity of the nation.
Eggs Benedict is the Minister for Home Security. His first responsibility is to
keep boat people from the Middle East out of Australia. His brother Tom is a
left-wing community activist. He represents one of the Iraqi survivors of a boat
that sank in the Indian Ocean where 353 asylum-seekers drowned.
Part political thriller, part family drama, Hannie Rayson asks searing questions
about a political culture where the unthinkable becomes a routine “operational
matter’. A culture in which some people would rather let refugees down at sea
than face questions about the meaning of global citizenship. Surely there is
some bedrock of honour that imposes moral responsibilities on governments?
After all – this is Australia. Nobody’s that bad!
Published by Currency Press 2005
World Premiere Melbourne Theatre Company 2005, transferred to Sydney
Theatre Company and toured regionally.
