The Ballad of Dan O'Malley: A Football Tragedy

Bright-eyed Dan O’Malley takes the reins as coach of the Central Leopards in 2008. But the club is bottoming out financially and on-field – so administrators call for shady tactics to win future draft picks. O’Malley wants to do the best by the club – and the young men he leads – so the club’s demands tear at his soul.

When the truth comes out – and the future of the game is threatened – there’s only one scapegoat in The League’s sights. The League can’t afford to lose its gambling revenue or broadcast deals, but it can afford to lose Dan O’Malley, a man whose love for football is eclipsed only by his passion for mentoring young men. The Ballad of Dan O’Malley shows the damage done to the things we love when greed and power take over. It measures the cost of putting the heart of football in the hands of people who are willing to kick to the kerb anyone or anything but the mighty dollar. And, finally, it asks whether the pressure put upon Dan led to the tragedy of his untimely death.

PRAISE FOR PAUL MITCHELL / MONSTROUS THEATRE'S PREVIOUS WORK:

“You’re the Man is a confronting and powerful drama and Borg has cast strong actors that provide tension and conflict. Her direction is impeccable, and the set is exciting (Filipe Filihia). Paul Mitchell has written a wonderful cataclysmic play that provides new and challenging insight on the foreboding theme of domestic violence. A must-see show."

- Stage Whispers

“I was moved, maddened and ashamed of what unfolded, acutely aware of the prevalence of domestic violence in Australia today. You’re the Man should be seen and appreciated for turning up the heat on a pervasive issue that can’t be sidestepped and shows no signs of abating.”

- The Blurb

“The ending is a Shakespearean tragedy, made worse in the knowledge that this play has drawn on real life.”

- Theatre Matters