For We Are Young and Free begins with a reflection on the significance of ‘girt’ from Peter Dodds McCormack (Michael Roper), composer of our National Anthem, and moves, revue-like, into a political debate between a struggling dad (Dylan Lloyd) and his opinionated teenage daughter (Emily O’Brien-Brown) over the kitchen table.

For We Are Young and Free is a quick-witted theatre piece, injected with daggy dad humour with a serious undertone. Canvassing the state of Australian pop culture and politics (where democratic values are best exemplified on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ and with a lasting cultural icon that is an American-owned sandwich spread), writer and director Lorin Clarke searches for the ‘identity’ vein in our culture and finds it hiding.

Defining ourselves has been a popular preoccupation lately. Clarke approaches the idea of ‘Us’ and what we stand for with a comic flair that is smart and accessible, although there are a few times when the humour becomes a little obvious.

Taking leave from the dismal reality of contemporary pop icons, Clarke summons a bookish Paris Hilton (Miriam Glaser) to give a (very funny) presentation on the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. There is also an appearance by Jane Austen. Dylan Lloyd’s subtle timing is particularly funny as he (unknowingly) attempts to defend Australia’s political integrity from lyrics by Ani Di Franco. Four good performances make For We Are Young and Free an intelligent and good value piece of comic theatre.