Writer: Christian O’Reilly
Director: Raymond Keane
No Magic Pill is inspired by the marvellous and “messy” life of disability rights activist Martin Naughton. Written by non-disabled Christian O’Reilly who proves he is worthy to tell this story after receiving the nod of approval from the man himself. The play is more than a documentation of the hardships faced by disabled people as they navigate daily life but rather a celebration of love and friendship, justice and freedom.
The cast is exceptional. Paddy Slattery faces the heavy responsibility of embodying Martin who is based on Martin Naughton; “the Michael Collins of the Irish disability movement.” Not an easy feat but Slattery’s delivery is hilarious and seamless. Peter Kearns multitasks as actor and disability consultant. His performance is particularly poignant as the speech impediment forces the audience to “try harder to understand him.” The show is righteous in its casting of disabled actors in disabled roles, something that seems expected but is usually not the norm in Irish theatre making.
The set is plain but effective. Large ramps adorn the stage to make way for the actors in wheelchairs. The props though few left a lasting impression. A contraption like never seen before is used to act as a young Martin using walking aids while the protagonist reminisces on his childhood. The audience is invited to accompany Martin on his journey as he juggles leading a group of disabled people in lobbying the government for funding and following his dreams.
Raymond Keane, the director, a self-proclaimed “clown and fool” shows his multifaceted nature in handling such serious and important themes in a light and playful way. The gravitas of the underlying goal; the fight for independence, is never lost but met with quick wit and sarcasm.
This performance is an unfinished discussion. It is a conversation starter and both disabled and non-disabled viewers will relate. It is a call to action, an introspective experience calling for an examination of one’s dreams and hopes, its obstacles and the true reward of activism.
Running for 80 minutes with no interval, it contributes immensely to bringing awareness to people with disabilities in Ireland. A Magic Pill does just as much, if not more, long after its standing ovation.
Hilarious, hard-hitting and hopeful.
Runs until 9 October 2022.
Hopeful
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