It’s one of our greatest roles – and it was written by a 23-year-old
Sydney Morning Herald
by John ShandFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Simon Burke is set to star as Robert O’Brien in a revival of Steve J. Spears’ groundbreaking play *The Eloculation of Benjamin Franklin* at Belvoir’s Downstairs Theatre, marking the 50th anniversary of its premiere. The role, which Burke describes as one of the greatest in Australian theatre, centers on a closeted gay transvestite elocution teacher during a time when homosexuality was criminalized. Directed by Declan Greene, the production aims to highlight the play’s relevance today, given the resurgence of challenges faced by queer individuals. Greene sees the work as part of a cultural moment in Australia, influenced by shows like *The Rocky Horror Show* and rock bands like Skyhooks.
Burke, known for his dynamic performances, has had to adapt his preparation style for this demanding role. Unlike his usual approach, where he waits until later rehearsals to fully engage with the script, Burke immersed himself in the play weeks before rehearsals began. He even skipped major events like Christmas and New Year’s Eve to focus on memorizing lines and understanding the character. Greene emphasized the importance of having props and costumes ready from day one, reflecting Gordon Chater’s rigorous demands during the original production.
Both Burke and Greene credit the play’s depth and complexity to its author, Steve J. Spears, who wrote it at just 23 as a straight man. They admire how Spears captured the nuances of O’Brien’s life and struggles, noting that every line feels rich with possibilities. Greene recalls being inspired by Chater’s autobiography, which revealed the intensity required to bring the role to life. This attention to detail has allowed Burke and Greene to collaborate closely, even creating backstories for characters who never appear on stage
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/23/2026