A Mesmerising Production
In 1960 novelist Edna O'Brien wrote her first novel, The Country Girls about Caithleen and Bridget, alias Cait and Baba as they escape convent school life to experience their first illicit venture amongst the pubs and city lights of Dublin. Forty odd years on, Stella Feehily also focuses on the emotional angst of two teenage Irish girls in her first play, Duck. Cat, short for Catherine, nicknamed Duck by her boyfriend Mark who is bemused by her big feet, and Sophie are best friends, growing up fast around the pubs and clubs of Dublin's Temple Bar nightlife.
From the opening moments, we are given a brutally realistic glimpse into the lives of these streetwise girls, micro-skirted, flavoured white rum mini bottles in hand, who can fend for themselves in a threatening encounter. But beneath their tough skin and rough talk are two smart girls on the brink of maturity as they desperately try to escape their confining lives - Sophie from her protective mother - " There's a smell of drink off ya that would bring a dead man to life. Self infliction, destroying yourself and Cat, dancing seductively between boyfriend and lover, is confused about who she is. Duck? Gina Lollobrigida? Catherine?
In 20 short, close-focus scenes, intimately directed by Max Stafford- Clark, Ruth Negga as Cat and Elaine Symons as Sophie lead a superb ensemble of six actors. Stella Feehily writes with finely observed insight, reaching inside the confused minds and tortured souls of these adolescent girls with vivid perception and sharp, sassy wit. A mesmerising production which touches the heart.
When and Where
Runs to August 23rd not Mondays, different times each day at Traverse Theatre (Venue 15), Cambridge Street, off Lothian Road. Presented by Out of Joint theatre company/Royal Court. See Company Website at www.royalcourttheatre.com and www.outofjoint.co.uk. Venue
Return to Index of 2003 Fringe Reviews.
Where else would you like to go in Scotland?
