Writer: Sean O’Casey
Director: Tom Creed
This production of Sean O’Casey’s most famous work marks the centenary of its first performance on the Abbey Stage in 1926. Once a play that caused riots, The Plough and the Stars is now a part of the cultural fabric of Ireland. A classic play about tenement life and the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, its overall themes are as relevant today as they were when it was written. This production, like many others before it, tries to be a little different. Unfortunately, many of its attempts fall a little flat and leave one wondering, what exactly were they thinking here?
Set design by Jamie Vartan is one such aspect. It is essentially a series of large bare wooden walls which seem at odds with the play itself. Although it can be understood to be representative of space, the colours and blandness feel out of place for 1916 Dublin. It is hard to picture a blank wall of wood in a Dublin tenement or in a pub. Although it is very impressive that the set pieces move and change to form the different settings. There is a turntable used throughout the show that is perhaps a little over used. It essentially feels as though someone decided that they have a turntable, therefore they must use it, but it left one wondering why they were spinning about slowly during very poignant scenes. The final act is performed on a blank stage. All of the wooden set segments have disappeared and you can see the backstage area of the theatre, the lights, the fire extinguisher etc. It feels too vast for a scene where people are essentially hiding and causes these scenes to lose some of their poignancy. Lighting by Stephen Dodd, likewise, lacks interest and only serves to enhance the dullness of the set.
The performances are generally very well done. Some lean a little too far into the preposterous but the text of the play itself can allow for that. The stand out performance comes from Kate Gilmore as Nora Clitheroe. She seamlessly navigates the complex range of emotions of Nora. Other notable performances come from Thommas Kane Byrne as The Young Covey and Evie May O’Brien as consumption-ridden teenager Mollser. Costuming by Catherine Fay is perfectly tailored to each character. The opulent bright green and feathered costume of would be volunteer Peter Flynn, played by Michael Glenn Murphy, is particularly impressive for both its comedic effect and to highlight the delusion of Peter being able to fight. Similarly, Nora’s brighter and more adorned clothing is a stark contrast to the other ladies of the tenement and highlights her difference from them.
This production, although impressive in many aspects, just doesn’t quite mould together into a cohesive unit.
Runs Until 30th April 2026.
