As Australian election season gains momentum, the political landscape transforms into a stage for dramatic displays that captivate public attention. The use of theatrical elements, such as props and orchestrated performances, has long been a prominent feature in the realm of Australian politics. These theatrics serve as powerful tools to convey messages, provoke responses, and shape public perception.

From Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young brandishing a decapitated salmon in protest to then treasurer Scott Morrison wielding a lump of coal, politicians have leveraged props to make bold statements. Such acts are reminiscent of historical theatrical practices where props were utilized to evoke emotional responses and blur the lines between reality and fiction.

In the context of political theatre, props play a crucial role in enhancing the visual impact of messages and making abstract ideas tangible. They serve as symbolic representations that resonate with audiences, leaving a lasting impression. Whether it’s flags, high-vis vests, or even babies, these props become symbolic extensions of politicians, embodying values and ideologies that they wish to convey.

The concept of politics as theatre, as famously stated by Harvey Milk, underscores the performative nature of political discourse. Politicians craft personas through gestures, facial expressions, and emotional rhetoric, akin to theatrical performances. The careful construction of these personas can influence public perception and shape the narrative of political campaigns.

Drawing parallels to theatrical productions, political events like the Nuremberg rallies orchestrated by Adolf Hitler exemplify the theatricality of political performances. The grandeur, symbolism, and choreography of such events position political leaders as larger-than-life figures, akin to mythical heroes on stage. However, as Bertolt Brecht’s play suggests, there is often a fabricated element to these displays, urging audiences to look beyond the spectacle and discern the underlying truths.

In contemporary Australian politics, the use of props continues to be a prevalent strategy employed by politicians to engage voters and convey their messages effectively. Whether it’s Opposition Leader Peter Dutton donning a high-vis vest at a mining facility or the viral misogyny speech delivered by Julia Gillard, these theatrical moments serve to evoke emotions, drive narratives, and capture public attention.

As the Australian election campaign unfolds, the theatricality of politics serves as a reminder to scrutinize beyond the performance and delve into the substance of political agendas. While the stage may be set with dramatic props and orchestrated acts, it is essential for voters to look past the theatrics and focus on the policies and issues that truly matter in shaping the future of the nation.