Saturday, October 7, 2017

United Fall, 'Girl Song': Past Generations

This dance-theatre production is poised between oblivion and resistance. Can it avoid straying into one or the other? Photo: Luca Truffarelli.

Samuel Beckett Theatre, Dublin Theatre Festival
Oct 6-8

A quick review of Girl Song by Emma Martin coming up just as soon as I watch my television ...

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Rough Magic, 'Melt': Locus Solus

This wildly imaginative play needs to be reined in. Photo: Ros Kavanagh.

Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin Theatre Festival
Sep 30-Oct 8

A quick review of Melt by Shane Mac an Bhaird coming up just as soon as I don't trust anyone with the guile of humility ...

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Martin Sharry, 'Playboyz': St Patrick's Day

A pastiche of Synge's Playboy looks at racism in contemporary Ireland. Photo: Jaesin Yu. 

The New Theatre, Dublin Theatre Festival
Sep 29-Oct 1

A quick review of Playboyz by Martin Sharry coming up just as soon as I sell you a lawnmower ...

Saturday, September 23, 2017

X & Co. Xnthony, ‘Power of Wow’: Wedding Bell Blues

Xnthony's new production is his most rigorous yet. Photo: LUXXXER. 

Bewley's Café Theatre @ Powerscourt, Dublin Fringe Festival
Sep 20-23 

A short review of The Power of Wow coming up just as soon as I cook gnocchi in LA … 

Dead Lady Productions, 'The Woods & Grandma': Among the Clouds

A refreshing new operetta gets the word out on Augusta Gregory.

Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin Fringe Festival
Sep 21-23

My review of The Woods & Grandma by Cal Foger Day coming up just as soon as I butter my toast ...

Amanda Coogan and Dublin Theatre of the Deaf, 'Talk Real Fine, Just Like a Lady': Signs

An alluring version of The King of Spain's Daughter shows the deaf community's history of oppression. 

Peacock Theatre, Dublin Fringe Festival 
Sep 20-23

My review of Talk Real Fine, Just Like a Lady coming up just as soon as I listen to some Beethoven ...

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Sad Strippers Theatre, 'All honey': Bedroom Farce

Ciara Elizabeth Smyth's agile new farce interrupts a young couple's house-warming.

The New Theatre, Dublin Fringe Festival
Sep 19-23

My review of All honey by Ciara Elizabeth Smyth coming just as soon as I tell someone so you won't murder me ...

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Sugar Coat Theatre, 'End Of.': Gabriel's Horn

Arguing against the infallibly real has become an absurd norm, but it makes for a riveting play. 


The Gutter Bookshop, Dublin Fringe Festival 
Sep 17-24

My review of End Of. by Seanan McDonnell coming up just as soon as I surmise your being and find you inauthentic ...

Friday, September 15, 2017

Kate Stanley Brennan, 'Walk for Me': The Club Kids are All Right

Kate Stanley Brennan's new solo work sneers through a slut-shaming world. 

Bewley's Café Theatre @ Powerscourt, Dublin Fringe Festival 
Sep 13-18


My review of Walk for Me by Kate Stanley Brennan coming up just as soon as I snort meth ...


Sunday, September 10, 2017

STO Union and Change of Address, 'Trophy': Camera Obscura

This enlightening performance installation puts neglected voices into the city fabric. Photo: Allison O'Connor.


Barnardo Square, Dublin Fringe Festival 
Sep 10-11

My review of Trophy coming up just as soon as I close my eyes ...

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Paines Plough and Pentabus Theatre, 'Every Brilliant Thing': Making a List

Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe's play fights depression with unbridled optimism. Photo: Richard Davenport

Pavilion Theatre, Dublin Theatre Festival
Nov 11-16


My thoughts on Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe coming up just as soon as I strip wallpaper off the wall in one go …


Friday, October 7, 2016

Brokentalkers, 'The Circus Animals' Desertion': Visions of the Future

What will it take to get over the romance of nationalism? Brokentalkers' delve into the occultism of W.B. Yeats for answers. Photo: Futoshi Sakauchi

Samuel Beckett Theatre, Dublin Theatre Festival
Oct 5-8

A few thoughts on The Circus Animals' Desertion coming up just as soon as I visit Hawaii ...

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Michael Keegan-Dolan, 'Swan Lake/Loch na hEala': The Curse

Michael Keegan-Dolan's adaptation of Tchaikovsky's ballet is a stirring allegory of the Irish Midlands. Photo: Colm Hogan


O'Reilly Theatre, Dublin Theatre Festival
Oct 1-9


A few thoughts on Swan Lake/Loch na hEala by Michael Keegan-Dolan coming up just as soon as I do a photo for the Longford Leader …


Saturday, October 1, 2016

ANU and CoisCéim, 'These Rooms': Claiming Damages

The unfinished business of 1916 is dug up in a miraculous co-production. Photo: Pat Redmond

85/86 Upper Dorset Street, Dublin Theatre Festival
Sep 29-Oct 16

Will be writing a round-up of Dublin Theatre Festival for The Stage next week. But in the meantime, a few thoughts on These Rooms coming up just as soon as I hand you your handbag ...

Sarah Gordon, 'A Sinkhole in Guatemala': Fair Trade

A vital environmental message so covert, you might miss it.


The New Theatre, Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival
Sep 21-24

A quick review of A Sinkhole in Guatemala by Sarah Gordon coming up after the jump ...

Oisín McKenna, 'Gays Against the Free State!': The Full Picture

Liberation means assimilation in this thoughtful portrayal of post-Marriage Equality Ireland. Photo: Matthew Mulligan.

Smock Alley Theatre, Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival
Sep 21-24

A quick review of Gays Against the Free State! by Oisín McKenna coming up just as soon as I yell "yaaaasssss" at someone in blackface ...

Friday, September 23, 2016

That Lot, 'Traitor': Fighting the Power

A politician tries to see their radical message though in 2026. Photo: Keith Dixon 


Project Arts Centre, Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival
Sept 21-24

A quick review of Traitor by Shane Mac an Bhaird coming up just as soon as I ask a statue for permission …

Malaprop, 'BlackCatfishMusketeer': Love Letters

Falling in love or into a trap? Dylan Coburn Gray's play looks at the world of dating profiles. Photo: Molly O'Cathain

The Lir, Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival
Sept 20-24

A quick review of BlackCatfishMusketeer by Dylan Coburn Gray coming up just as soon as suggestive ellipsis … 

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Aoibheann Greenan, 'The Perfect Wagner Rite': Fetish Opera

Aoibheann Greenan's take on Wagner's opera is the most non-conforming show at Fringe in years. 

RHA Gallery, Tiger Dublin Fringe
Sep 15-18

A quick review of The Perfect Wagner Rite by Aoibheann Grennan coming up just as soon as I hand you a spear ...


Collapsing Horse, 'The Aeneid': Rome Won't Tear Us Apart

Deviating from a narrative as old as Virgil's epic isn't easy, as tested by Collapsing Horse's jaunty adaptation. Photo: Ste Murray

Smock Alley Theatre, Tiger Dublin Fringe
Sept 15-24


A quick review of The Aeneid coming up just as soon as I sacrifice some animals …

Friday, September 16, 2016

Kate Gilmore, 'The Wickedness of Oz': There's No Place Like Home

With Generation Emigration packing their bags, a young woman picks her battles at home. Photo: Clíona Ní Laoi.

Bewley's Cafe Theatre @ Powerscourt, Tiger Dublin Fringe
Sept 13-23

A quick review of The Wickedness of Oz by Kate Gilmore coming up just as soon as my mother reminds me to lay off the Malibu …

Margaret McAuliffe, ‘The Humours of Bandon’: Bonaparte’s Retreat

Margaret McAuliffe takes us behind the scenes of an Irish dancing championship in an excellent drama about adolescence.

Bewley's Cafe Theatre @ Powerscourt, Tiger Dublin Fringe
Sept 14-24

A quick review of The Humours of Bandon by Margaret McAuliffe coming up just as soon as I trust what you say about my costume …


Thursday, September 15, 2016

Dick Walsh Theatre and Pan Pan, 'George Bush and Children': The Talkshow Must Go On

Opinions collide in Dick Walsh's new play about talkshows. It's easy to laugh from a distance. Photo: Jaesin Yu. 

Project Arts Centre, Tiger Dublin Fringe
Sep 12-17


A quick review of George Bush and Children by Dick Walsh coming up just as soon as I remember having a good time being energy ...

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Shannon Yee, 'Reassembled, Slightly Askew': On the Brain

 Stunning audio art recreates an artist's intimate story of survival. 


The Complex, Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival
Sep 13-24

A quick review of Reassembled, Slightly Askew by Shannon Yee coming up just as I go to town for toothpaste ...

Monday, September 12, 2016

Oona Doherty and Liz Roche Company, 'Hope Hunt' / 'Wrongheaded': In Search of Respect

Gender politics are unabashedly brought to the forefront in this dance double bill.  


Project Arts Centre, Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival
Sep 12-16

A quick review of the dance double bill Hope Hunt by Oonagh Doherty and Wrongheaded by Liz Roche coming up just as soon as I support Chelsea …


Umbrella Theatre Project, 'Glowworm': Bugged by Mediocrity


Can a shy schoolgirl discover her genius in this multidisciplinary send-up of Victorian society? Photo: Christopher Lindhorst

Project Arts Centre, Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival
Sep 11-16

A quick review of Glowworm by Tom Nieboer coming up just as soon as I go down to the elderflower thicket ...

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Irish Theatre to See in 2016

Rehearsal image for The Casement Project by Fearghus Ó Conchúir, pegged to be a main event in the 1916 commemorations. Photo: Ste Murray.

  
Some dates for your calendar in 2016 …


Tuesday, December 29, 2015

More Irish Theatre Highlights of 2015

Still a lot of fun to be had at the cutting edge, as evidenced by Dead Centre's Chekhov's First Play. Photo: Jose Miguel Jiminez


Yesterday I posted my top 10 of 2015. Here are other highlights from the year:

Irish Theatre Top 10 of 2015

ANU Productions's Pals was a singular attempt to commemorate Irish involvement in World War I. Photo: Patrick Redmond.


Thinking back on 2015, I’m reminded of the mobilisation of artists around the Marriage Equality Referendum and the #WakingTheFeminists outcry over the Abbey Theatre’s male-mad 2016 season. I’m reminded of gutsy programming by Galway International Arts Festival to host Exhibit B, a controversial installation that internationally spurred the modern equivalent of a theatre riot, and by Tiger Dublin Fringe to take a chance on Kim Noble, a guerrilla-performance artist on a risky search for companionship.

In trying to narrow down my theatre-going (I wrote about 120 performances this year) to a list of ten, I’ve kept to the parameters of new productions by Irish/Northern Irish companies, or co-productions where the creative half is Irish. This leaves out Andrew Scott’s seamless performance in the Paines Plough production of Sea Wall, co-produced by Dublin Theatre Festival, though it was probably my favourite performance this year. I’ve also left out the Gate Theatre’s production of The Gigli Concert because Denis Conway had performed the part before, and I figured I could make room for something else, though that doesn’t excuse the omission of Sinéad McKenna, who gave the best lighting design this year.

Whenever I’ve written an end-of-year list, I’ve tried to keep to the idea of ‘best’ as moments in the theatre when I felt a significant shift in my thinking, when I’ve registered a change in my biology: the welling of emotion, the howl of laughter or a menacing discomfort.

(Finally, thank you to readers who followed me this year from Musings In Intermissions to A Younger Theatre and Broadway World, and most recently Exeunt Magazine and The Stage. Keep an eye out for me in the two latter publications in 2016).

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Where you can find my reviews ...

Writer Donal Davoren (Mark O'Halloran) clearly swamped in The Shadow of a Gunman.


It's about time I posted something on the blog, even if it is just an update. 

I think 2015 has seen some promising steps on my path towards sustainable Critic-hood. I began writing for two online publications, Broadway World and A Younger Theatre, and while neither come anywhere close to paying my rent (yet), I have enjoyed the magic in seeing my name appear in (digital) print. 

When Irish Theatre Magazine ceased its regular publishing last year, I was writing solely here on Musings In Intermissions. While I recognised the importance of upping my game (especially outside of Dublin, where critical outlets aren't as common), I also realised the limits that come with a blog. 

Academics wanted to reference me in articles but ultimately couldn't because a blog is subject to editorial concerns. Theatre promoters wouldn't take my quotes and hang them in fairy lights because Musings In Intermissions wasn't the Irish Independent. When I applied for jobs, I felt silly for jotting down "blogspot.ie" in applications, and cursed myself for not choosing a shorter, catchier title when I impulsively set up MusingsInAreYouStillListening? while mulling over The Rehearsal, Playing the Dane five years ago.

However, I couldn't have made any progress without this blog, and I encourage all rising critics to have one. I haven't decided what to do with this platform yet. I'll likely use it to ponder more personal thoughts as I have done here, and roll it out when it comes to posting shorter, more time-sensitive pieces, as during Dublin Fringe.

Meanwhile, you can stay appraised of my BroadwayWorld pieces here and A Younger Theatre here


Cheers,

Chris 
  

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Re/Minding Your Step

Poised for another phase of redevelopment, Dublin’s Docklands becomes a mise en scène in an initiative bringing together choreographers and urban planners (Photo: Marcel Bassachs).


What activates a space? For Italian translator and dance curator Giulia Galvana, it’s a single step. Her initiative Mind Your Step, a two-day event involving a performance trail and a symposium bringing together choreographers and urban planners, is based upon a singular principal: movement creates centres of activity. Now brought to Dublin in collaboration with dance managers Eleanor Creighton and Argyris Aryrou, its arrival is timely. With the Docklands poised for another phase of redevelopment, this provides an opportunity to explore how public spaces are explored and presented.

Friday, March 27, 2015

That 'Marry' Is the Very Theme

Production image of I ♥ Alice ♥ I by Amy Conroy (photo: Ruby Washington). As the nation approaches a referendum on same-sex marriage, what has Irish theatre told us about marriage and gay lives?


Who would have thought that Dion Boucicault, the 19th century Irish melo-dramatist who nowadays fills seats for the popular and commercial theatre, is presently one of the most politically provocative playwrights in the United States? Or at least sharing the mantle with the rising Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, who has adapted Boucicault’s The Octoroon for New York’s Soho Rep.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Druid Announces Details of DruidShakespeare

Two out of three kings have been cast as women: one of several innovative decisions made in Druid's presentation of Shakespeare's Henriad Cycle. 


Details of DruidShakespeare have been announced. Click on to my feature at A Younger Theatre to find out more ...



Dublin Dance Festival Makes Historic Commission

Liz Roche's Sailing to Byzantium-inspired Bastard Amber marks the first commission of an Irish choreographer for the Abbey stage.


Dublin Dance Festival has an extra skip in its step. Last year's festival saw an increase in audience attendance by 57%, due in large part to festival director Julia Carruthers’s commitment to outdoor and free events. In what is possibly her final year in the role (a call for applicants went out in January), she has managed to secure the Abbey Theatre for the duration of the event, as well as the historic first commission of an Irish choreographer for the theatre’s main stage.

Monday, March 9, 2015

Carmel Winters, 'Witness': Setting the Record Straight

A mother and son shock a nation in Witness. But provocateur/playwright Carmel Winters risks being the scandal of this story.  


Project Arts Centre
Mar 2-7


My review of Witness by Carmel Winters coming up after the jump ...

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Talkback: Decadent Theatre, 'The Pillowman'

Decadent Theatre give the first homegrown production of Martin McDonagh's The Pillowman.

Gaiety Theatre
Mar 2-14


I saw The Pillowman at the Town Hall Theatre in Galway last week, and reviewed it for A Younger Theatre. Now it's your turn. What did you think of Andrew Flynn's staging? Did David McSavage do it for you as Detective Tupolski? What did you think of Peter Campion, Gary Lydon and Michael Ford-Fitzgerald? Did you like Owen MacCartaigh's set? Have you seen Decadent's other productions of Martin McDonagh, and if so how does this measure up? 


Sound off in the comments below.  

Monday, March 2, 2015

CallBack Theatre, 'The Hole': Digging for Truth

John Sheehy's play about a self-exiled man in rural Ireland tests the boards of lunchtime theatre's new temporary residence. 

Bewley's Cafe Theatre (at Powerscourt Theatre)
Feb 18-Mar 7


My review of The Hole by John Sheehy coming up after the jump ...

Friday, February 27, 2015

The Ark, 'Far Away From Me': The Prince and the Pea

You sense an attempted subversion of a fairytale in Amy Conroy's Princess and the Pea-inspired play for young audiences 

The Ark
Feb 14-Mar 15


My review of Far Away From Me by Amy Conroy coming up after the jump ...

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Abbey Theatre, 'A Midsummer Night's Dream': A Most Rare Vision

A newly politicised, dreamy and gauzy imagining of Shakespeare's comedy at the Abbey Theatre. Photo: Ros Kavanagh. 

Abbey Theatre
Feb 17-Mar 28


My review of A Midsummer Night's Dream is over at A Younger Theatre. Now it's your turn. What did you think of director Gavin Quinn's interpretation? Do you prefer a faithful performance of the text or a deconstruction à la Pan Pan? What performances stood out for you? Your thoughts on Aedín Cosgrove's design and, furthermore, Bruno Schwengl's strange and eccentric costumes? Would you like to see Quinn work at the Abbey again? Should the theatre keep producing Shakespeare?


Sound off in comments below. 


Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Equinox Theatre, 'Memory Box': On The Run

This ensemble of artists with and without learning disabilities are empowered in a glowing production.

Axis Theatre
Feb 11-12


My review of Memory Box coming up after the jump ...

Friday, February 20, 2015

Lyric Theatre, 'Death of a Comedian': Deal With the Devil

A comedian makes a Faustian pact in Owen McCafferty's new play.

Lyric Theatre, Belfast
Feb 11-Mar 8

My review of Death of a Comedian coming up after the jump ...


Wednesday, February 18, 2015

... Getting Any Younger

You'll have to go somewhere else to read my Pals and A Midsummer Night's Dream reviews. 


Last September, I sat at conference table inside a glass building in London's King's Place. Sitting across from me was a blonde-haired woman, listening carefully and speaking excitably, as if hope was to be found at the turn of every sentence. Hope was the reason I was there. That woman was Lyn Gardner, theatre critic of The Guardian, and a personal hero.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Rough Magic, 'Everything Between Us': Ignorance is Bliss?

Two sisters collide in the foreground of Northern Ireland's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But obliteration isn't the goal. 

Project Arts Centre
13-28 Feb 


My review of Everything Between Us by David Ireland coming up just as soon as I become manager of a Starbucks in Ballymena ...


Thursday, February 12, 2015

THEATREclub, 'HEROIN': Through the Eye of the Needle

THEATREclub's 2010 play finishes a national tour with a once-off performance in Liberty Hall, by special invitation of Dublin councillor Gary Gannon.

Liberty Hall
Feb 9


My review of HEROIN coming up just as soon as Lemass helps us play catch-up ...

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Cadence Theatre, 'One Is Not Oneself': Why Must The Show Go On?

A couple grieve their son’s death in this Noël Coward-inspired drama. 


The New Theatre
Feb 4-14


My review of One Is Not Oneself by Gerard Lee coming up just as soon as the orchestra has an extraordinarily small repertoire ...

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Landmark Productions, 'The Walworth Farce': What Are We, If Not Our Stories?

A father and his sons perform a ramshackle play about their departure from Ireland in Enda Walsh's grotesque drama. Photo: Patrick Redmond

Olympia Theatre
Jan 14-Feb 8


My review of The Walworth Farce by Enda Walsh coming up just as soon as I bring you to the beach in Brighton ...


Saturday, January 10, 2015

Exorcising Traumas at First Fortnight Festival

Eleanor Tiernan's National Therapy Project sets out to heal the Irish psyche by satirising past miseries. 


It speaks volumes that First Fortnight, an arts festival that runs the first two weeks of each year with the aim of challenging prejudice to psychological well-being, brings its audiences through the doors of St. Patrick's Hospital, the country's largest mental health provider. Passing staff, doctors and visitors bring the otherwise un-reminded reality of illness and recovery into view. It proves the length of which festival director J.P. Swaine and his team are willing to face stigma head on. 

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Cyclamen Productions, 'Fireplay': Friendship Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry

Can James Ireland's tragedy find its spark?

The New Theatre
Jan 5-10


My review of Fireplay by James Ireland coming up just as soon as I play a game of Beggar-My-Neighbour ...

Monday, January 5, 2015

Saturday, January 3, 2015

More Irish Theatre Highlights of 2014

School was out this summer and some of the first graduates of The Lir lent serious verve to Selina Cartmell's kinetic staging of Punk Rock


I already made a list of my top 10 Irish theatre productions of 2014 but here are more highlights that deserve mention ...