Ned Kelly sits in a grimy cell at Old Melbourne Gaol on the night before his execution. His brother and fellow gang member Dan, who Ned believes died at the siege of Glenrowan, visits disguised as a priest. He’s seeking Ned’s blessing and forgiveness before heading north to start a new life in Queensland. But after everything they’ve been through together over the years, and how all of this has affected them, a blessing is not an easy ask. Brothers of the same blood and name, but with very different perspectives of their past. Life or death?

Now, at the end, they confront each other, striving to understand their past. Dramatically entwining fact, theory and myth, Kelly is the latest achievement of Brisbane-based playwright Matthew Ryan (boy girl wall, Sacré Bleu). It is masterfully balanced with light and shade, and the quick-fire banter between the
characters resonates with a crass but irresistible brand of Australian humour. Kelly is a fastmoving, action-packed story which portrays the infamous cult heroes in a totally new light.