Denis Johnston's play may be clearly of its time (1929), but the current production by the National Youth Theatre finds in it some enduring satirical comedy and opportunities for colourful, expressionistic theatre. The huge cast has the benefit of John White's imaginative direction, full of novel touches, and a set design by Fiona Leech that offers them a functional and atmospheric playground. Eamon Fox's lighting design is another plus.
Lady Gregory's refusal to accept the play for the Abbey famously gave it its final name, but the original title, Shadowdance, is more apt. An actor playing Robert Emmet gets a blow on the head, and goes into a coma in which his feverish fancies constitute the play. In his dream-nightmare he wanders through street crowds proclaiming his stage identity, and is alternately derided and lionised.
Much of this is hilarious, and the fun is stepped up in the second half, much of it set in a literary salon featuring known artists and writers of the day. Politicians and military figures add their numbers, and the ersatz Emmet grows steadily more helpless as he is pulled this way and that. But he finds his courage and destiny again, and the play's closing, to the voice of John McCormack singing She is far from the land, is moving and complete.
My previous experiences of the NYT led me to expect excellence in the acting, and I was not disappointed. Shane Carr (Emmet) and Elaine O'Dea (Sarah Curran) lead with conviction, and there are many cameos among their numerous supports, including Derek Conaghy's Major Sirr/ Grattan's statue. The choreography of the 35 or so actors on stage most of the time is wellnigh perfect, without amateur nerves or hesitant delivery, and the director's ideas are realised with precision.
The final two performances are today, a short outing for so accomplished a production which, entertainment apart, brings again to our attention an important author too long absent from our stages.
Runs until today, 2.30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; bookings to 01- 6082461