E. Fitzgerald-Baird

Greg McGee uses several different techniques to establish Foreskin's character in the play Foreskin's Lament. He uses setting, direct and indirect characterisation, and actions and reactions. He reveals to us through these techniques that Foreskin has a very complex character, he is educated, with modern views of the world, but with a rural background, flawed, rebellious and displays smart-arse and show-off behaviour, he is talented, "one of the boys", and avoids conflict, and is a passive/aggressive. Through Foreskin's character we can identify the major theme of the play, how do New Zealanders define their national identity when the old myths and the lore, playing the game, are no longer relevant.

The setting of the play is very important as it helps us identify several of the characteristics that make Foreskin who he is. The play...