Kit Brookman’s A RABBIT FOR KIM JONG-IL praised by critics

Kit Brookman’s A RABBIT FOR KIM JONG-IL premiered this month at Griffin Theatre Company, and also stars Kit as the titular rabbit, Felix. Based on an inexplicably true story, Kit’s play tells the story of farmer Johann, whose life takes an unexpected turn when Kim Jong-il takes a special interest in the super-sized rabbits he has bred, and decides he will stop at nothing to get his hands on them.

John McCallum of The Australian has praised Kit’s writing for creating not only a comic thriller but also a parable about human nature, saying, “It starts out absurd and then creeps up on you and hits you over the head… a theatrical ambush”. Ben Neutze of Daily Review has also commended Kit’s script as “brisk and entertaining”, while Rebecca Whitton of Australian Stage has said, “The brilliant opening scene sets the tone of a comic thriller – funny and scary in equal parts”.

Critics have also praised Kit’s performance as Felix, with Glen Falkenstein of ArtsHub saying, “Brookman as Felix the rabbit is spot on in his portrayal and mannerisms; turning a potential one-laugh gag into a sustained source of humour throughout the play’s 100 minute run time”. Ben Neutze has also written, “Brookman… bring[s] a simple and sweet sincerity to the role. As an actor he’s very endearing”, and Rebecca Whitton has said, “Kit Brookman’s performance of Felix the rabbit steals the show. I’m so glad that he agreed to play the role of this serene and enlightened rabbit as his understated performance, ripe with irony, is magnetic”.

A RABBIT FOR KIM JONG-IL plays at Griffin Theatre Company until 21st November. Tickets are available on the Griffin website. Photo by Brett Boardman.