Spectators

In her exciting Boomerang Theatre productions, Trish Edelstein's ability to fuse a European convention of theatrical anarchy …

In her exciting Boomerang Theatre productions, Trish Edelstein's ability to fuse a European convention of theatrical anarchy with themes at once local and international flashes briefly into life with Spectators.

Edelstein challenges the boundaries with confidence, certain in this case that her delight in the human comedy is shared by her cast as they query millennium issues introduced by iconic video clips.

The playground slides framing the set suggest snakes-and-ladders; Oonagh Montague's intriguing and hilarious talent as a conveyor of middle-class anxieties deepens the contrapuntal balance of the opening scene with the equally convincing Conor Collins.

There is an authoritative switch of tone and rhythm as monks prepare and eat a meal (a stir-fry), at a pace controlled by plain-chant. At another switch, an ageing farmer muses as millennium fireworks break the loneliness of the hills.

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So, one is forced to ask, what? The production is poised like a question-mark and perhaps it is appropriate there should no answer. But 60 minutes of questioning, however diverting and talented, do not add up to a play. Boomerang expands the possibilities of theatre, but it mustn't sell itself - or us - short.

Spectators continues at the Granary; the last performance is tomorrow at 8 p.m.

Mary Leland

Mary Leland is a contributor to The Irish Times specialising in culture