Tales of Ballycumber by Sebastian Barry is set among a farming community in south-western Country Wicklow, a hilly and remote region. Many of the characters are Protestants, ordinary farmers rather than descendants of the old Anglo-Irish landed-gentry. Their religion sets them apart to some extent from other local people, albeit without the same level of sectarian conflict as in Northern Ireland.

Key themes are death, suicide, and escape from the past. Recent deaths weigh down on the characters. The past contains sectarian suspicion, the failings of the dead parents of central character Nicholas (Stephen Rea), and local gossip from decades ago (the 'Tales of Ballycumber'). While the play is set in the present, modern items such as mobile phones and euro money seem almost incongruous in what is a timeless rural landscape. A certain air of magic realism exists, with the presence of an innocent girl's ghost, and a trip by one of the characters back in time. This is enhanced by a striking set (by Mike Britton) which consists largely of a field of yellow daffodils covering the stage, with just a fireplace, table and chairs in the middle.

Nicholas is a traditionally-minded bachelor. He gently advises his young friend Evans (Aaron Monaghan) not to bother with a Catholic girl whom Evans is taken with, because of her religion. Next day, Evans is found almost dead from apparently self-inflicted wounds and a note referring to Nicholas. This releases a torrent of grief and guilt; Nicholas says he can't remember what he said to Evans, but is tortured inside (well-conveyed by Stephen Rea). The play is very much about him; the other characters - including the girl (Lisa Hogg), Andrew (Liam Carney), Tania (Derbhle Crotty) function as visitors who teach him particular things. In the course of Tales of Ballycumber, Nicholas comes to realisations about his delusions, and his limited life.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Lisa Hogg - Girl. Stephen Rea - Nicholas. Aaron Monaghan - Evans. Liam Carney - Andrew. Derbhle Crotty - Tania.

Company Credits: Writer - Sebastian Barry. Director - David Leveaux. Set & Costume Designer - Mike Britton. Composer - Corin Burkeridge. Lighting Designer - Matthew Richardson. Sound Designer - Ben Delaney. Video Designer - Dick Straker for Mesmer. Technical Operator - uncredited. Dialect Coach - Brendan Gunn. Assistant Director - Sophie Motley. Company Stage Manager - Brendan Galvin. Deputy Stage Manager - Tara Furlong. Assistant Stage Manager - Elaine Walsh. Voice Director - Andrea Ainsworth. Casting Director - Holly Ní Chiardha (CDG). Hair and Make-up - Val Sherlock. Photography - Ros Kavanagh. Graphic Designer - Zero-G. Sign Language Interpreter - Amanda Coogan. Captioning - Ruth McCreery & Paula Redmond. Producer - uncredited. Company - The Abbey Theatre. Website - www.abbeytheatre.ie.

END

(c) Colman Higgins 2009

reviewed Saturday 10 October 2009 / 19:30 / Abbey Theatre, Dublin, Ireland

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com