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Dancing At Lughnasa Bakehouse Theatre Until 4 March 'Dancing At Lughnasa' is the plum pudding in Brian Friel's picnic box. Regarded as a living treasure in Ireland, his poetic and poignant plays focus on Irish character by using past events as a metaphor for present issues. Five spinsters eke out an existence in a cramped farmhouse - the edgy dynamics of interdependent sororial relations are discombobulated by the return of Uncle Jack from Uganda and periodic visits by the father of a sister's boy. The story is narrated in hindsight by the grown up child during a summer of dislocating changes. Friel's genius is in setting the action against a backdrop of socio-economic changes that occurred in Ireland in the '30s and transformed life there - the competition of the new wireless with bucolic conversation, the new opportunity for men to test their mettle in war, the transition from cottage industry to factory work, and most importantly, the struggle between ancient Celtic pagan ritual and the rigid moral code of Irish Catholicism. This Fringe offering is a revival of last year's WAPA production by director Paul Komadina; aving ironed out the creases, the production is full of energy and the pace is red hot. Actors Lucy Bath and Adelaide's own Melanie Munt vivaciously played the extroverted sisters to great delight. David Maguire as the scallywag father was full of charm and whimsy. While the sisters interacted effectively, too often they stayed within type. The set was designed by committee - the Irish countryside was represented by tropical plants that Uncle Jack might have brought back from Uganda and the kitchen had everything but the obligatory crucifix. Do not miss this opportunity to see a classic play that simultaneously puts you in its time and place and urges you to reflect on yours.  |
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