"In this era, with its `war on terror', and a heightened criticism, even censorship of any dissenting view, our security organisations and the governments that unleash them, are again exercising great power over people's lives." (Playwright's Notes Queensland Theatre Company and Company B's theatre production of The Spook programme, 2005, p. 5) The Spook, an Australian play directed by Neil Armfield, addressed this contemporary issue but set in the 1960's, when the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, ASIO, Capitalist eye was strongly fixed on eliminating any trace of Communism in Australia. It delved into significant issues at the time such as Communism, religion, family, diversity and the working class. Armfield's directorial intention and the strong dramatic meaning are reflected through the Australian context and authenticity, the elements of stage and design and the use of symbolism.

The time was the sixties in regional Victoria where Martin, an innocent young adult, was...