ASYLUM with excellent writing, and is a clever and entertaining drama, that beautifully tells multiple stories via the immigration officer, Craig (Chris Miller). There is the Lebanese refugee, Hajir (Eli Saad) who is seeking asylum in Australia.
Craig must discern both the lies/truth and the authenticity, of perhaps fabricated stories, as told by each asylum seeker. The political immigration decisions made by that immigration officer, will determine if Hajir will remain in Australia.
We are taken on unique journey of discovery. Craig has an ex-wife Vikki (Dianne Weller), and his son Jason (Levi Kenway), has just been interviewed by NSW Police Officer Christine (Emma Burns). The emotional family related decisions made by Craig, also influence his immigration decisions. Highly Recommended.
The juxtaposition of these important and complex stories, and the father’s dual moral dilemmas, made it all worthwhile. So well crafted like a jigsaw coming together, and everything to do with Ruth and her excellent production.
ASYLUM by RUTH FINGRET, had its World Première in 2017, with a successful short preview season from 15th until 25th November 2017, at the Comber Street Studios, in Paddington.
EXPECT – Content Advisory – coarse language and loud noises, plus contains the themes of violence, criminality, drug use, suicide and domestic abuse. Not recommended for children under 15 years of age.
ASYLUM by Ruth Fingret
Directed by Olga Tamara
Lighting Design by Mehran Mortezai
Music Score by Greg Skehill
Images by Simona Janek
STARRING –
Eli Saad as Hajir
Chris Miller as Craig
Levi Kenway as Jason
Dianne Weller as Vikki
Emma Burns as Christine
EXPECT – Content Advisory – coarse language and loud noises, plus contains the themes of violence, criminality, drug use, suicide and domestic abuse. Not recommended for children under 15 years of age.
DATES – 2nd May 2024 until 12th May 2024
VENUE – The Hellenic Art Theatre, The Greek Theatre, Building 36 at 146 Addison Road, Marrickville
TICKETS – https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/asylum-by-ruth-fingret
WEBSITE – https://ruthfingret.com/asylum-by-ruth-fingret/
The “right to silence” within Australia for a subject, derives from common law’s companion rule. This is the current caution, that is used by New South Wales Police – “You are not obliged to say or do anything unless you wish to do so, but whatever you say or do may be used in evidence. Do you understand? “ Please do remember that in New South Wales, a subject has the right to a lawyer being present in a police interrogation, but they do not have the right to have a lawyer provided for them, therefore a lawyer will only attend if the subject can afford private legal counsel.
In the USA the “right to silence” caution wording for a subject, that is used when a subject is read the “Miranda Warning”, also known as being “Mirandized” is very clear and direct – “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?”
NSW Report said – “It is reasonable that innocent persons faced with a serious accusation might wish to consider their situations carefully before making any disclosure, especially where the circumstances appear suspicious but it cannot be assumed that they are rational and articulate. In many cases, suspects may be emotional, perhaps panicked, inarticulate, unintelligent, easily influenced, confused or frightened or a combination of these. They may be unable to do themselves justice. Such persons may be well advised to hold their peace, at least at an early stage. They may, of course, have something to hide, but that something may simply be shameful and not a crime, or it may implicate others for whom they feel responsible. The supposition that only a guilty person has a reason for not speaking freely to investigating police is an unreasonable assumption.”