Oh, Brother – Bewley’s Café Theatre, Dublin

Writer: Callum Maxwell

Director: Lee Coffey

It comes as no surprise that ‘Oh, Brother’ was a nominee for ‘The Little Gem’ Award at Dublin’s Fringe Festival last September, where they enjoyed a sold out run. Presented by ‘Ragged Ruin’ in collaboration with Bewley’s Café Theatre, who sponsor the award, Callum Maxwell’s debut play is an absolute must see.

This is the story of two brothers reuniting after years of separation. 31 year old Matthew, played by Ruairi Lenaghan, was given up for adoption at birth by his Mother (“She gave me up, she signed the papers”). Mary O’Dwyer then goes on to have a second son, Matthew, now 19, who she keeps (“I was a baby for a brother unknown”). Although physically absent from the stage, the boy’s Mother looms large. Her presence is all encompassing.

There follows a clever and superbly arranged two-hander production where the siblings suffer a rollercoaster of emotions (“the panic, the stress, the what happens next?”). The audience is treated to comedy (“I like your shirt” … ”Penneys, tenner”), drama (“If she’s half the person he is, I want to meet her… show her … me …”), pathos (“…a ball of lead in your chest, that sits there all the time”) and everything in between.

This play is so much more than the sum of its parts. It is fresh and innovative. You’ll witness an unusual prelude and the exceptional crafting of a first rate script. Lee Coffey’s skillful directives have artfully and creatively pulled together a piece that will truly stand the test of time.

Although the role played by the Catholic Church in this scandalous chapter of Irish history is referenced only fleetingly, KathyAnn Murphy’s set design, which includes a stained glass window and the projection of a large cross on the wall, serves to remind us throughout of the desperately tragic and very real consequences for the mothers and babies affected. ‘Oh, Brother’s’ subject matter is as complex as it is topical, but has been handled with sensitivity and care.

Maxwell’s bio describes him as an actor, musician, dancer and singer yet fails to mention how immensely talented he is as a playwright. If that isn’t accomplishment enough, he is also the Founder and Artistic Director of ‘Ragged Ruin’ Theatre Company. Lenaghan, who has a solid body of work in his repertoire, is a natural. He appears totally comfortable, confident and competent on stage. His voice has a wonderful timbre which would further lend itself to narrating for audible content.

In the final scene, Michael and Matthew walk and talk their way towards the culmination of their journey together (“we’d arrived at the end of our tour”). A momentous turn of lighting design by Eoin Byrne brings us to a close, with a smile on our faces and tears in our eyes. You really can’t say fairer than that.

Runs until March 4th, 2023.