Fountain Square Players will present the story of a trial that could have been ripped from today’s headlines in its production of Kenneth Ross’ courtroom drama “Breaker Morant.”

“It’s a good, strong script. It’s kind of like what’s happening today. … The world’s superpower is chasing bandits and terrorists,” said director Rick Shreve. “When you fight something like that, sometimes unseeming things happen.”

The play will run at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Public Theatre of Kentucky’s Phoenix Theatre. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and $8 for children under 12. Because of adult themes and some language, the play is not recommended for children.

Based on a true story, “Breaker Morant” takes place in 1902 in South Africa during the Boer War. The title character and two other Australian lieutenants are on trial for shooting Boer prisoners.

“It’s about the court-martial of three officers for shooting of prisoners. Their defense is that they were ordered to do it,” Shreve said. “The (General Staff) is trying to bring the war to an end and prosecute these guys for diplomatic purposes.”

Chris Barnette, who plays Breaker Morant and compares the play to the film “A Few Good Men,” said he did research to help give him more insight about his character.

“I want to know as much as I can, to try to take on as much of that character and devise what’s out there,” he said.

Barnette found out that Morant was born in England and is somewhat of a legend in Australia.

“ ‘Breaker’ is a nickname because he’s a horse breaker. He’s also a poet. He found himself in Australia. He was somewhat of an outcast from family members,” he said. “He seeks to redeem himself and enlists in the military. He is sent to South Africa, where there is a conflict between the Dutch and the Boer population.”

The play has been very challenging, Barnette said.

“There are so many different twists and turns,” he said. “You really work to bring it to where the audience can understand.”

The 15-member cast has been working well together to make it a good presentation, Barnette said.

“It has been a lot of fun,” he said. “When you get that many people with significant roles, you have to stay on your toes.”

Barnette believes audiences will enjoy “Breaker Morant.”

“It’s a neat opportunity for people in the community to see a piece of history in the very intimate setting that is the Phoenix Theatre,” he said. “This being a courtroom drama, it lends itself to that setting. It really is a great play in this space.”