Augustana College presents ‘Our Country’s Good’

The Augustana College Department of Theatre and Film presents “Our Country’s Good,” May 9-12 at the Brunner Theatre Center. The play is directed by Jeff Coussens, Augustana professor of theatre arts.

Set against the backdrop of Australia's penal colony in the late 18th century, this thought-provoking drama is a poignant examination of the redemptive power of theater. As the struggling colony grapples with issues of justice and rehabilitation, a group of convicts and British officers embark on an audacious project: to stage a play that will not only entertain but also enlighten and lift their spirits.

Amid the harsh realities of the officers and convicts’ existence, the production becomes a beacon of hope, revealing the shared humanity that transcends societal divisions.

Through the exploration of the relationships between captives and captors, “Our Country's Good” masterfully navigates themes of oppression, self-discovery and the unifying force of art,  underscoring the enduring truth that even in the harshest of circumstances, the spark of creativity can illuminate the path to redemption.

Coussens said the incisive drama, written in the 1980’s by Timberlake Wertenbaker, is a compelling story based on an actual historic event that occurred 200 years earlier, as a group of British Royal Marines and convicts were sent to Australia to build the first penal colony there.

“During their time in Australia, the prisoners work together to rehearse and perform a play under the direction of one of the marine officers as a method of rehabilitation,” he said. “Through this entertaining play-within-a-play structure, the audience will experience a wide variety of emotions as “Our Country’s Good” explores the themes of social justice, oppression, self-discovery, and above all, the redemptive power of theatre to change lives.”

Tickets can be purchased at Augustana.edu/tickets. Tickets are $15 for the public;$12 for seniors; $10 for employees, students and children; free for Augustana students.