Play-Readings

One of the highlights of the Bali Conference is the Play-Reading presented by “the Bali Players” under the direction of the indefatigable Rex Wild QC, who carries out the multiple roles of producer, director, narrator, script editor, dramaturg, stage manager, props master, dresser, prompt, best boy… and legal advisor.

For the most part, the script is taken from transcript of famous cases, be they from the Territory (Tuckiar, Chamberlain) or beyond (Bentley, Ned Kelly, Marie Antoinette), edited to illustrate points of principle, and, on several occasions, notorious miscarriages of justice.

The cast is drawn from the ranks of conference delegates.  Curiously, none of the performers has ever been criticised for under-playing their part.


2019: The Mistrial of Marie Antoinette – Paris, 1793

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

Script

 

Rex Wild and Peggy Dwyer

Music composed and arranged by Martin Fisher


2017: [Un]Certain [Verbal] Admissions: The trials of John Bryan Kerr Supreme Court Victoria April – September 1950

Kerr

 

 

 

 

Introduction

Script

Music composed and arranged by Martin Fisher


2015: The Shearer’s Tale: Murder and Injustice in the Australian bush – The trial of Frederick Lincoln McDermott

McDermott
 

 

 

 

Introduction
Script

 

 


2013: The Murder in Gun Alley – The Wrongful Conviction of Colin Ross

Introduction

Script

Players


2011: Extremes in Justice – The Territory inquisitions into the death of Azaria Chantelle Loren Chamberlain (and the presumption of innocence)

Program and Introduction

Script


2009: Serving it up in court – volleys, lobs & smashes

Program and Introduction


2007: The Dock Brief

Program and Introduction


2005: The Rupert Maxwell Stuart case: a shining moment in Australian Legal history  (R v Stuart) – South Australia, April 1959

Program and Introduction

Script


2003: A Matter of profound regret – William Bentley’s birthright to a fair trial (R v Derek William Bentley & Christopher Craig)

Program and Introduction

Script


2001: Eureka Trials: The resilience of the jury system: Serving the community

Program and Introduction

Script


1999: Tuckiar: a fair trial: Interpreters and the right to a defence and the right to understand

Program and Introduction


1997: Ned Kelly: The benefit of Counsel

Introduction (Paper)

List of Players


1995: The Popish Plots: Golden threads, golden silences and silver tongues: The right to a fair trial

Introduction