From the pen of legendary Discworld author Sir Terry Pratchett comes the story of Mort, a young man chosen as Death's apprentice.
As someone new to Pratchett’s work I had no knowledge of the mysterious realm known as Discworld – where goblins, kings, wizards and witches exist in a parallel universe.
Here the world is flat, balanced on the backs of four elephants which are carried through space balanced on the back of a giant turtle. We’re in magical-realism territory here.
'Mort' is the fourth installment in Pratchett’s vividly surreal novels where reality and fantasy collide. It’s also very funny thanks to Pratchett’s witty one-liners.
Mort – which is short for Mortimer – is an endearing but nervous young man looking for his first job. Just when things look hopeless, a 7ft tall, scythe-wielding skeleton arrives with an unusual job offer. This towering figure is none other than Death personified who is feeling lonely, overworked and miffed with the daily grind of snuffing out life. He is looking for an apprentice.
Photos from the opening night of 'Mort'.
While being Death’s P.A isn’t on Mort’s list of career options, the offer of free food and lodgings and use of the company horse – a magnificent steed called Binky – is enough to swing the deal.
Mort is eager to please and does his best to impress Death – who it turns out, isn’t as scary as you’d imagine. In fact he’s easy going, fond of cats, enjoys a good curry, and to be frank, gets many of the best lines in Stephen Brigg’s adaption.
Things start to unravel when Mort is left in charge – tasked with ushering people in to the next world. Unlike Death, Mort is still ‘human’ and feels compassion – allowing his heart to rule his head. Instead of collecting the soul of a princess as he should, he kills her would-be assassin, and changes history – leaving the entire Discworld at risk.
As the story unfolds we are also introduced to Death’s mysterious manservant, Albert (ably played by John Grey) a 2,000-year-old wizard with poor culinary skills and Death’s adopted daughter Ysabell (played by Annie March) who has remained 16 years old for 35 years.
There are laughs to be had throughout the show and while the acting is a little uneven, Director John O’Connor has worked hard to bring a cast of 19 together in this challenging play.Mort, played by Callum Pulsford, brings an endearing quality to the role. He’s two parts dorky and one part lovable and you can’t help but feel for him throughout his ordeal with Death.
Dan Lane’s performance as Death is wonderful with the actor delivering his lines with absolute deadpan humor. Discworld fans will relish the opportunity to share in this cult production while newcomers will be converted to Pratchett’s surreal view of life and death and our perception of reality. All in all, a fun night out.
'Mort' plays Brisbane Arts Theatre until 3 October.
