New Play “Truth” Explores Julian Assange’s Life and Impact

“Truth,” a new theatrical production by acclaimed Australian playwright Patricia Cornelius, is set to make its world premiere in Melbourne. The play delves into the life of Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, examining themes including freedom of information and the suppression of whistleblowers. “Truth” will debut at the Malthouse Theatre in February 2025, as part of the theatre’s upcoming season.

The play draws upon significant moments from Assange’s career, from his early days as a tech-savvy teenager in Melbourne to the establishment of WikiLeaks and his prolonged legal complications in the UK. These include his time spent in prison, embassy confinement, and house arrest. Notably, the play imagines Assange’s eventual plea bargain with the United States on espionage charges and his return to Australia.

Despite not consulting Assange for input, as reported by Guardian Australia, Cornelius noted that “he knows that it’s going to happen” and expressed satisfaction in maintaining independence from Assange’s influence. The production, directed by Cornelius’s frequent collaborator, will feature a cast of five actors, including Aljin Abella, Emily Havea, and Eva Seymour, who will portray multiple aspects of Assange concurrently.

Malthouse’s Artistic Director, Matthew Lutton, remarked that “Truth” emanates from the same “brilliant, fiery anger at injustice in the world” that characterizes Cornelius’s four-decade career. “She has a great anger about the way our governments and society silence people that speak the truth,” Lutton stated.

The production will not shy away from sensitive topics, such as allegations made against Assange by two Swedish women in 2010, which did not lead to charges. Cornelius addressed the public’s fixation on these allegations, commenting on societal tendencies to focus on Assange’s personality rather than the truths he revealed.

In addition to Assange, the play also acknowledges the contributions of other whistleblowers like the former U.S. Army intelligence analyst and Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency contractor. These elements are woven into the narrative to highlight individuals who “want to change the world and are punished for it,” according to Cornelius.

The Malthouse Theatre’s 2025 season will explore the theme of “fantastic and fantasy worlds.” Other productions include an adaptation of “The Birds” featuring immersive sound technology, the cabaret show “The Red Shoes,” and “Troy,” a new play by Tom Wright. These performances promise a blend of innovative storytelling and technology designed to captivate audiences.