Breaking the Code perfectly highlighted how one person’s success and achievements work as the perfect mask to hide an inner depression. The graduating class of QUT did a phenomenal job of reviving the quirky, honest and heart-breaking, true story of Alan Turing; the man responsible for breaking the Enigma Code during World War II. 

 

Matin Moolman did a brilliant job at playing Turing, his acting was nothing short of exceptional throughout. There was never a moment where you weren't feeling for Moolman’s character, he gave the audience the chance to create their own level of reliability and even pride that couldn’t have been achieved through script and stage directions. 

 

Alongside Moolman, two performances stood out in particular, one being from Alex Neal who played British-Scholar, Dilwyn Knox. Neal’s performance showing his characters depleting health was a beautiful display of immersing yourself in one’s role. Daniel Gabriel played Turing’s first-love, Christopher Morocom, as well as his Greek lover, Nikos. Gabriel’s character Nikos did not speak a single word of English, this meant Gabriel’s final scene was spoken in fluent Greek which was outstanding alone. 

 

With the polls opening in Australia to vote for marriage equality, the timing of this production could not have been any more perfect. It displayed just how simple the idea of a man loving a man should be. I found myself jealous of Alan Turing in one particular scene; he was completely at peace in Greece speaking to Nikos, as Nikos knew no English, Turning spilled his life-threatening secret regarding the Enigma Code to his Greek-lover.  The two did not know a single word of the others respecting language. Moolman and Gabriel made the scene so captivating and beautiful, not a single person could miss the point of the play at this moment.

 

Not long before we learn Turning commits suicide, he tells Nikos, “It’s not breaking the code that matters - it’s where you go from there”.

 

By Charlie Ruhle