Former High Court Justice Ian Callinan has again thrilled Brisbane audiences with his playwright skills.
The Turtle Towers Case, presented by Bent Productions, wrapped up at the Metro Arts theatre last week after a three-day run.
The sixth of Mr Callinan’s plays to be premiered in the city, it is set in Queensland in 2010, covering the tension of a courtroom and jury room over a period of three days.
The 89-year-old used insights from his distinguished legal career, which included nine years serving on the highest court in the land and 22 years at the Queensland Bar.
He acted in many defamation cases, for the claimant and defendant.
“Jury trials in civil cases are rare in modern times but are still sought in defamation cases,” he said.
“Their deliberations are in private and are the source of endless speculation by lawyers. There is no higher moment of tension in a courtroom than when the jury files in to give their verdict.”
It was the fourth of Mr Callinan’s plays for director Laraine Griffiths, who said the scripts were written in an “intelligent and scholarly way”.
“I often say that I prefer to work with deceased playwrights, but I make an exception for Ian,” Ms Griffiths said.
“Ian is a delight to work with: he is thoughtful, respectful and humble. I look forward to the next time he and I can work together.”
That opportunity will come in 2027, with the prolific author busy writing another play for production next year.
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