Directed by
Chris Drummond - Designed by Gaelle Mellis
Lighting design
by Neil Simpson - Sound design by John O’Donnell
The
Playhouse - Canberra Theatre Centre – 2nd – 5th November
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
Listening to
a collection of songs inspired by the last 100 years of Irish poetry may not
sound like the most riveting way to spend an evening. But that is to
underestimate the creativity and passion of three extraordinary composers and
performers in Paul Kelly, Camille O’Sullivan and Fergal Murray who have
collaborated to produce a show that is truly remarkable.
Classic
poems by Yeats, Heaney and Cavanagh, together with those of more recent poets
as Eavan Boland, Paula Meehan, Jessica Traynor and Enda Wyley are woven into a
mesmerising tapestry of songs and spoken word, brilliantly performed by Kelly
and O’Sullivan, together with musicians, Feargal Murray, Paul Byrne, Dan Kelly
and Sokol Koka.
 |
| Paul Kelly - Camille O' Sullivan |
Brilliantly
directed by Chris Drummond, with stunning sound and lighting design, by John
O’Donnell and Neil Simpson respectively, “Ancient Rain” is a constantly
evolving visual and aural feast.
From the
very first moments, when the curtain rises to reveal Camille O’Sullivan, in
swirling mist, in a harsh white spotlight, reciting Seamus Heaney’s “Digging”
in her clear beautifully modulated voice, the show immediately captivates.
Gradually the lights come up to reveal Paul
Kelly standing in a semi-circle of chairs. Then Feargal Murray gently caressing
the keys of a grand piano; guitarist Dan Kelly, percussionist Paul Byrne and
cellist Sokol Koka, all arranged around the stage, as the poem merges into
song.
For the rest
of the performance, Kelly and O’Sullivan trade solos and duets, moving around
the stage, constantly repositioning the chairs, themselves and the musicians,
to create ever-changing stage pictures. No one refers to sheet music. Storm
sounds, street sounds, or the haunting sound of solo cello; permeate the superb
musical arrangements heightening the mood of the songs as they explore the
gamut of human emotions.
All are
consummate performers, in complete command of the material, which ranges from
gentle reminiscence to raging songs of protest. Paul Kelly ‘s contained stage
persona and masterful control of stillness is perfectly complimented by Camille O’Sullivan’s
bravura style, completely electrifying whether prowling the stage confronting
her audience directly, or as a young girl praying to the statue of the Virgin
Mary for help.
Towards the
end of the evening, Kelly and O’Sullivan perform a poignant duologue, written
by James Joyce, in which a woman confesses her first love. The sheer simplicity
of the staging combined with the flawlessly delivered dialogue, proved a
memorable and mesmerising conclusion to an unforgettable theatre experience.
Whether or not Irish poetry is your thing, don’t miss this opportunity to
experience this remarkable show.
This review also appears in AUSTRALIAN ARTS REVIEW. www.artsreview.com.au