''Barassi'' (2012) is a play by the Australian playwright Tee O'Neill which tells the story of football legend,

Ron Barassi Ronald Dale Barassi Jr. (born 27 February 1936) is a former Australian rules footballer, coach and media personality. Regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of the game, Barassi was the first player to be inaugurated int ...

. ''Barassi'' was commissioned and originally produced by Jager Productions in Melbourne, Victoria. It premiered at the

Athenaeum Theatre The Athenaeum or Melbourne Athenaeum is an art and cultural hub in the central business district of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Founded in 1839, it is the city's oldest cultural institution. Its building on Collins Street in the East End ...

, Melbourne on 26 September 2012 with

Steve Bastoni Steve Bastoni (born 4 March 1966) is an Award winning, Italian-born Australian actor. He became a household name in Australia for his role as Constable Yannis 'Angel' Angelopoulos in ''Police Rescue'' and as Steve Parker in '' Neighbours''. ...

in the title role.

Critical reception

In his review of the play in ''The Age'' Cameron Woodhead called it "a slick and cannily directed show sure to please diehard footy fans, and anyone with an interest in the game’s history and character...''Barassi'' does retreat into mawkish sentimentality towards the end, and the material feels slightly overstretched. A straight 90 minutes without interval would have been better. Even so, by commercial theatre standards this is a winner: good writing, committed performances and astute direction do justice to the man and the game.""Heartfelt tribute to AFL’s larger-than-life mustachioed hero" by Cameron Woodhead, ''The Age'', 28 September 2012, p17

References

{{ Reflist Australian plays 2012 plays