Director: Barry Fitzgerald
Mourning is a Muscle at Dublin Project Arts Centre is an honest exploration of how we deal with grief upon the passing of a significant person in our lives. It’s designed as a part performance, part workshop where the audience may participate if they wish.
The care and attention to detail in the set, props, adjunct delivery, and various delivery methods throughout the performance are spot on and appropriate. The shredded denim and cowboy boots are a very nice touch.
It’s obviously based on personal experience of the actor/director but delivered very professionally. The pace, dancing, context setting, portrayal of mixed emotions, rawness and energy of this performance all came together to create something wonderful and deeply touching. I felt like I was in London during lockdown or rural Ireland in the 90’s.
The thought-provoking title, inspiring installation, cup of tea and post-it task in the foyer of the theatre, linked with the performance made for a coherent, engaging, welcoming and intimate portrayal of the subject material. No mean feat considering how difficult many of us find the subject of mourning.
Mourning is a Muscle leaves one thinking we should be allowed to mourn in whatever way we feel is best. That we should all try to be ourselves. Afterall, who else is there to be? Let’s be kind to each other, the actor to the audience, the audience to the actor, the father to the son, the son to the father and so on. I couldn’t fault it.
Runs Until 10th Sept 2026.
