Word Against the Word – The Viking Theatre, Dublin

Writer: Keith Dunphy 

Director: Aoife Monks

“My voice is enough”

Keith Dunphy brings his one man play Word Against the Word to Dublin’s Viking Theatre. Many will know Keith Dunphy from his long and varied acting career. Here he is also writer, giving us the story of his dyslexia and how it has shaped and interacted with his acting, particularly his classical training in an acting school that favoured RP (Received Pronunciation) over anything else. From the beginning he questions why Shakespeare can’t be performed in a Waterford accent (Afterall, Shakespeare himself did not have an RP accent) and this turns into an exploration of what it means working class actor, an Irish actor, a classical theatre actors, all while dyslexia means he is unable to read. Dunphy takes us through his introduction to acting and his joy at being accepted at RADA and how his community rally round to raise the money he needed. As many had before him, he sailed and railed to London, with a suitcase and his dreams.

The only person on stage is Dunphy and it is not a surprise that he excels in keeping the audience engaged and entertained throughout the plays 70 minute run time. This is his story; his life on stage for the audience; and he is able to make his journey connect with the audience, even if they have lived a very different life. Shakespeare’s Richard II is brilliantly woven throughout. The English King visited Waterford during his ill-fated journey to Ireland before he was usurped, and the young actor dreams of one day playing this king and uttering the beautiful line “I wasted time, and now doth time waste me”, which is used as a sort of refrain throughout. As Dunphy ascends the ranks, first RADA, then the RSC, then over time TV and film, his love for words guides him through the difficulties of navigating complex texts. He has a love for words, their shape and sound, allows him to come to an understanding of Shakespeare’s speeches almost from the inside. He has an emotional, physical connection to the words that those approaching with an academic mindset often miss. Maybe this will one day allow him to even play Richard II?

Sound and lighting are well integrated into the performance, as are the minimal props; allowing Dunphy the space to roam physically and emotionally. I was surprised that Word Against the Word resonated so strongly and made me feel so much in such a short time. This is testament to Dunphy’s skill as writer and actor and at curtain close, the audience rose to their feet, their applause thundering.

Runs Until 25th April 2026.