Review: ULSTER AMERICAN at The Abbey Theatre

Expect the Unexpected

I was prepared for controversial and shocking, for colourful language and violence. Yet the opening scene still set me reeling. Writer David Ireland clearly thrives on the taboo and no person or subject is immune.

A seemingly innocuous setting: the director's lounge. On the eve of rehearsals for a new play, a British director, Northern Irish playwright and American movie star gather to cement their collaboration.

Jay Conway, the American, brilliantly portrayed by Darrell D'Silva, is a self-absorbed swashbuckling divo, with a giant personality and an inability to censor his thoughts or filter his dialogue. His entire persona is an act. He attempts to appear profound and magnanimous, feigning humility over his Oscar success.

Lucianne McEvoy is terrific as playwright Ruth Davenport, a sharp wit armed with a sharper tongue. She thrives on confrontation, making a tardy entrance due to an altercation with her mother en route. Enamored with their star (and his illustrious Hollywood contacts!) Ruth sweeps in giddy and fired up.

Robert Jack is hilarious as director Leigh Carver. His comic timing as an earnest, mild-mannered and socially awkward gentleman is excellent. Keen to please and appease, he fusses and fawns over the talent, maintaining a zen-like composure over the proceedings. Initially, at least.

Jay idly shares a hideously outrageous notion with Leigh who reluctantly discloses it to Ruth. Taking the bull by the horns, Ruth immediately confronts Jay and a rollicking rumpus ensues. Set ablaze by the feminist movement, an arsenal of religion, politics, and nationalism add fuel to their fiery clash. Beliefs, morals, and identities are sharply scrutinized. English, Irish and American cultural prejudices laid bare. Never before have I witnessed so many taboo subjects debated so eloquently or ferociously at such breakneck speed.

Director Gareth Nicholls, together with his stellar cast have wielded David Ireland's dynamite script to create an explosive theatrical triumph. Expect the unexpected.

Ulster American runs at The Abbey Theatre until 20th April 2019

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