Reviewed
by Judd Hollander
If "sleep
is freedom", as one character points out in Enda Walsh's Ballyturk, then it follows that ignorance
is bliss and knowledge offers an awareness that can be truly devastating. The
play now having its American premiere at St. Ann 's Warehouse.
Two unnamed
men - referred to as 1 (Tadhg Murphy) and 2 (Mikel Murfi) in the show program -
are living in a somewhat homey, somewhat Spartan space. Exactly where and when
this space is located and why the men are there, is unknown. The two have at least
some creature comforts, such as fresh milk, tea and biscuits; along with a wide
selection of music from which to chose. At the same time, there are hints of
things being not quite right. Such as horizontal steel beams near the right
rear ceiling, indicating the two might be in a cage where they can be observed
from above. The cinderblock shower area also suggesting something one would see
in a prison or, a locker room.
1 and 2
have seemingly long since settled into a daily routine. They eating, sleeping
exercising, getting dressed, etc. all with the precision of a well-oiled
machine, albeit with some enjoyable musical accompaniment. The majority of
their time however, is spent describing the people and situations in the Irish village
of Ballyturk . The two alternately acting as narrators for these
scenarios, well as portraying the Ballyturk citizens themselves. Their actions
reminding one of performers continually polishing their material in order to
always keep it sounding fresh.
In the
midst of the different actions that play out on stage, one soon begins to feel
an overall presence of despair. Particularly with 1, the more emotional of the
two men, who is also prone to what seems like epileptic attacks. 2 on the other
hand, comes across as a more centered and level-headed individual. Yet behind
all of their respective actions is the impression of something deeper lurking
just beyond their field of comprehension. It's a feeling that only strengthens
when we learn that one of the two may remember far more than he's let on; while
trying very hard to deny that awareness.
1 and 2's lives are suddenly upended when another person (Olwen
Fouéré) unexpectedly enters their domicile. Brusque and officious, she is there
to offer the two men a choice. One which will change everything for the man who
takes it.
In his
plays, Walsh has often focused on the subject of isolation. People who find themselves,
for whatever reason, butting heads against a cold and impersonal system that
has made them feel cut off and alone. Some of Walsh's previous efforts in this
vein include Arlington , Rooms and Misterman. Ballyturk being another such example.
Also
present in Ballyturk are clear
elements of finality. Indeed, as the play continues to unfold, one can't help
but wonder if these two men are trapped in some kind of limbo between this
world and the next. Walsh himself has said he came up with the idea for Ballyturk while discussing the subject
of death with his six year-old daughter. Though if one is looking through
a definite through-line here, they're going to be disappointed. For Ballyturk is something meant to be
experienced, rather than explained.
Walsh directs
this production of his own work with a sure and steady hand, mixing silence
with questions, and action with dancing - and a great use of the various songs.
It's also interesting to note that the music source for the two men are vinyl
records played on a turntable, with nothing more modern than a microwave in
their possession. This again begging the question of how long the two men have
been in this location - wherever it happens to be.
Murphy and Murfi work beautifully together as 1 and 2. Both characters at times, funny, angry, and always quite engaging. Especially when reeling off tales about Ballyturk, and the use of a yellow jumper (that's a sweater to Americans). The characters' actions also revealing a deep bond between the two. One built on trust and reliance, and which is hopefully strong enough to survive any disagreements that pop up along the way.
Murphy and Murfi work beautifully together as 1 and 2. Both characters at times, funny, angry, and always quite engaging. Especially when reeling off tales about Ballyturk, and the use of a yellow jumper (that's a sweater to Americans). The characters' actions also revealing a deep bond between the two. One built on trust and reliance, and which is hopefully strong enough to survive any disagreements that pop up along the way.
Fouéré is
perfectly cast as the mysterious person who enters their lives. A seemingly bureaucratic
type - as evidenced by her initial attitude, appearance and location from which
she has arrived - she in actuality has the inner glimmerings of a onetime poet.
As demonstrated in her speeches dealing with time, cigarettes and flying insects.
Jamie
Vartan's design of both the room and what is found beyond is excellent. The set
offering a nice blend of the austere, functional and elements of the personal
tastes of 1 and 2. Helen Atkinson's sound design works beautifully, particularly
in the opening and closing moments of the show.
Examining
what might be beyond the here and now, and offering far more questions than
answers, Ballyturk proves to be a
probing and intellectual experience. And one definately worth seeing.
Ballyturk
Written
and Directed by Enda Walsh
Featuring: Tadhg Murphy (1), Mikel Murfi (2), Olwen Fouéré (3), Eanna Breathnach, Niall Buggy, Denise Gough, Pauline McLynn (Voices), Aaralyn M. Anderson and Brook Timber (Girl).
Composer:
Teho Teardo
Designer:
Jamie Vartan
Lighting
Designer: Adam Silverman
Sound
Designer: Helen Atkinson
Presented
by St. Ann 's Warehouse
Co-Produced
by Landmark Productions and Galway International Arts Festival
Tickets:
718-254-8778, 866-811-4111 or www.stannswarehouse.org
Running
Time: 90 Minutes, No Intermission
Closes: January 28, 2018
No comments:
Post a Comment