Truth review – Julian Assange play is hard going, with flashes of brilliance

Merlyn theatre, the Malthouse
Five actors play the WikiLeaks founder – but instead of exploring different, contradictory parts of his character, they form a united chorus of complaint

The playwright Patricia Cornelius and the director Susie Dee have been in a collaborative creative partnership for decades, producing some of the most searing and politically provocative works of theatre Australia has seen.

You might think a new play about Julian Assange and the vagaries of global geopolitics would inspire them to new heights. But, while there are flashes of brilliance throughout, Truth fails as an act of agitprop and is hard going – and faintly dispiriting – as an act of drama.

Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning

Topics

'I know we're going to be playing pretty freaking hard:' Rising Stars vow to bring it against All-Stars on Sunday

The Rising Stars have an opportunity to make a statement in the All-Star tournament.
Yahoo Sports - 5d
Kyiv’s White House wooing implodes as Zelenskyy tells the truth about Trump | Julian Borger

All America’s allies know that Trump is trapped in a disinformation bubble, but Zelenskyy said it out loud. Trump calls Zelenskyy a ‘dictator’ who should ‘move fast’ or lose country as row with ...
The Guardian - 1d
Review: 'Paddington in Peru' isn't hard to bear, but it shows the franchise coasting

The third installment of the live-action/animation hybrid remains a reliable source of high-caliber children's entertainment, but its witty spark is diminished.
Los Angeles Times - 6d
Vikings QB dilemma: Justin Jefferson still 'going to make a play' with whoever is throwing him the ball

Sam Darnold is slated to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason
CBS Sports - 5d
How Missouri Basketball Bounced Back a Year After Going 0-18 in Conference Play

Coach Dennis Gates led the Tigers to a storybook turnaround. It all started with a poem.
The New York Times - 1d
Elon Musk is not telling the truth

Despite what he claims, there is absolutely no way Musk works 120 hours a week. His own words prove it.
The Hill - Feb. 13
Universal truths about marriage and divorce

Despite falling divorce rates, some couples still face challenges when it comes to keeping a marriage intact. "Sunday Morning" talks with a couples therapist, a divorce lawyer, and the ...
CBS News - 4d
Flash floods threaten mudslides after Los Angeles fires

An atmospheric river is bearing down on California, bringing with it heavy rains, evacuation orders and flash flood warnings. It's building up to another severe weather setback for an area still ...
CBS News - 6d
Flash floods pummel South as massive storm batters eastern US

A sprawling storm pounded the Southeast leading to intense flash flooding. Nearly half a million people across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia are experiencing power outages. NBC’s ...
NBC News - 4d

More from The Guardian

Stop criticising Trump and sign $500bn mineral deal, US official advises Kyiv

National security adviser says Ukraine is wrong to push back against Trump’s approach to peace talks with Russia. White House officials have told Ukraine to stop badmouthing Donald Trump and to ...
The Guardian - 45m
‘One of the hardest days’ in Israel as Hamas hands over hostages’ bodies

Remains of two young children, their mother and an elderly man arrive in Tel Aviv after ‘cruel’ handover in Gaza. The remains of two young children, their mother, and an elderly man taken hostage ...
The Guardian - 4h
US Senate narrowly confirms Kash Patel as next FBI director

Key Trump ally, who aligns with US president on range of issues, wins confirmation in 51-49 Senate vote. The US Senate has confirmed Kash Patel as the next FBI director, handing oversight of ...
The Guardian - 1h
Americans’ confidence in air travel falls after string of plane crashes, poll shows

Survey indicates 64% of Americans believe flying is safe, down from 71% who said so last year. Americans’ confidence in aviation has slipped following a string of plane crashes in 2025, according ...
The Guardian - 2h
Man dies at Manchester airport after arrest by Border Force officers

Police watchdog is investigating death of 27-year-old who showed ‘unusual behaviour’ at security check. A 27-year-old man has died at Manchester airport after being arrested by Border Force ...
The Guardian - 56m