WORDS Fionnuala Gygax
Quietly, a new piece by Owen McCafferty, and directed by Jimmy Fay, is an intimate exploration of the violent turbulence of northern Ireland during the 1970s, and the ongoing challenge of reconciliation and forgiveness after a period that left so many emotional scars.
McCafferty’s text is sparse, focusing on a single encounter between two strangers who fought on opposite political sides at the tender age of sixteen, when they were engulfed in a world of violence they didn’t fully understand. Set in the bar that changed both men’s lives, this piece raises many important questions about human nature and our ability (or inability) to move on from the past and to reach a point of reconciliation or resolution. For a country such as Ireland that is so embedded in political bitterness and hostility, Fay’s piece is an important one. It displays the long-lasting emotional effects of such turmoil, the challenges of overcoming this resentment, and reaching a point of understanding and forgiveness within society.
O’Kane and Conlon deliver emotionally truthful performances with great subtlety, adding to the naturalism of the piece. O’Kane’s physicality is particularly noteworthy, capturing a man who seems almost crippled by regret, bitterness and loneliness. Robert Zawadzk, who plays the role of the Polish barman, injects humor into a play that would otherwise be relatively heavy throughout. He is also a reminder that Ireland is not the only country to have faced political problems, stating boldly that “this place doesn’t know the rest of the world exists.”
While the performances had great authenticity for the most part, there were certain moments of staging that seemed unnatural and rehearsed. Also, while certain lengthy silences between actors were engaging and dramatic, others became overly prolonged, which gave the audience an opportunity to disengage. However, it being a preview, these were all minor issues that I am certain will be polished and tightened during the run.
Alyson Cummins’s set is an accurate replica of a pub one might find anywhere in Ireland. The authenticity and precise attention to detail added greatly to the sense of naturalism on stage. However, a small issue of logicality would be the fact that it only ever features two punters, Ian and Jimmy, which is relatively unrealistic in Ireland. This conceptual flaw ultimately weakened the entire production, providing an implausible backdrop for what were two convincing and tender stories.
Quietly is runs from the 14th November-15th December 2012. Abbey Theatre, Peacock stage.
