Breaker Morant (play)

Breaker Morant is a 1978 stage play by Kenneth G. Ross. It is a dramatization of the court-martial of Lieutenant Harry "Breaker" Morant and two other British soldiers in South Africa during the Boer War. The play focuses on the controversial trial and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the orders given to the soldiers, their actions in the field, and the ultimate judgment passed upon them. Ross's play explores themes of military obedience, the nature of justice, the complexities of war, and the blurring of lines between soldier and criminal in the context of unconventional warfare. The play doesn't shy away from depicting the brutality of the conflict and the moral ambiguities faced by the characters. It received significant critical acclaim upon its release and has since been adapted for film and other media, further cementing its place in theatrical and historical discussions surrounding the Boer War and military justice. The play remains relevant today for its continued exploration of enduring questions of military responsibility and accountability.