Photography by Ruth Medjber.
Haunted by Tara Flynn
Haunted is an endearing and honest show. Tara Flynn shows herself to be not only a competent and agile solo performer, but also a wonderful storyteller.
From her smooth transitions from section to section, juggling different stories with ease, to the committed and infectious sense of purpose that she brought on stage – Flynn delivered a one-person show that was as engaging as it was beautifully paced. There is a touching account of her relationship with her father and her learned behaviour from him. The show reveals a political snapshot of Ireland in 2018 with her and many women’s experience of the Repeal movement, as well as Flynn’s struggles with mental health – all balanced flawlessly. The interweaving of these storylines was done naturally, with the show effortlessly holding my attention for the entire duration (approx one hour and ten minutes). Additionally, Flynn’s seanchaí-like, Kerry-accented interludes gave some gentle pacing and divisions between the ‘main’ narrative sections, with a mystical theme that elevated the whole show’s connection to history, the history and mistreatment of women in Ireland, and the persistence of this since and throughout the Repeal the 8th Movement. This was a powerful, connected, and invested show that Flynn delivered with familiar and human authenticity.
The set design’s minimalism was suitable and yet surprisingly functional, with the sole armchair becoming anything from a passenger seat in a car to a tombstone as it gets adjusted and moved around the set. Flynn’s transitions in the show were often linked with this, giving each section a distinct visual and topical setup, all while the otherwise empty stage allows for the more isolated themes when they arise. This, with the well-utilised lighting changes throughout, gave us a very interactive stage for Flynn’s engaging performance to bring to life.
This is a show I would highly recommend – I was invested from start to finish. Tara Flynn was a natural at juggling stories, interludes, the connections between them, and those armchair movements. The show was so engaging, it was only ten seconds into her unwavering headstand on the armchair that I noticed this was done, and how truly exceptional that acrobatic feat was.
Panti Bliss- If These Wigs Could Talk
This was my first time seeing Panti Bliss live, and I must say that this was a fantastic show. Hilarious, raw, passionate, thoughtful, and relevant. This show varies from autobiographical accounts of Panti’s youth, amusing tales from her adulthood, and a steely, yet hopeful and motivating, examination of Ireland in recent years- the work done and work yet to be done.
As for stage-presence and the one-person-show nature of this performance: Panti is charismatic, electric and unstoppable. With nothing on the stage except for a stand for her to set her drink down on, Panti brought energy and experience to the stage. She was as personable and delightfully authentic as anyone I’ve seen on-stage, bringing the mood of a stand-up comedy evening more than that of a solo scripted performance. Panti’s abilities as a public speaker meant that the development of the performance- from light and witty anecdotes to more heartfelt and honest moments and all the way to commanding political commentary- was flawless. Everyone was captivated by and connected to Panti from start to finish.
Panti balances the good with the bad in modern Ireland at more political moments of the show. With reverence and command, Panti brought out such strong feelings of hope with a sober awareness. Awareness of the continuing hate and danger thrown at the LGBTQIA+ community, but also hope in Panti’s own witnessing of a changing Ireland and the progress she has seen on the island. It’s in this duality, the brilliant and essential progress that has been and is being made, and the hateful closed-mindedness that still exists – this is where Panti finds her current sense of meaning and purpose. Panti is relevant, is necessary, and is never without purpose. Panti is a vital representation, emerging from a time that was so recent and yet so (comparably) politically distant. Panti is a hopeful reminder to all that they too can be themselves and be celebrated in doing so. Things are not always that simple, and this show does not pretend as much – but if Panti can stand proud and be Panti openly, future generations can and will accept each other and themselves more and more.
Panti Bliss’ performance was incredibly relevant and entertaining, all while not shying away from harsh realities that are continually faced by LGBTQIA people in Ireland and abroad. A true icon, with a show that was not to be missed.
Both shows had a run from the 10th November to the 3rd December, 2022, in the Abbey Theatre. Further details are available on the Abbey Theatre website.
