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| The Studio, Cúilin, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland |
War is a powerful play, powerfully produced.... The almost full house on the last night was visibly moved, offering hearty applause to the company. Everyone leaving seemed deep in conversation, carrying the important themes that War addresses out into the stormy night. Beehive and Mike Venner are to be congratulated for another fine collaboration in bringing new work to the Dingle audiences.
Sandra Landers
The poster on the street corner read WAR. On first glance it could have been
calling for support against the activities of the U.S. in Iraq. However closer
examination reveals it to be a poster advertising the new play 'War' by Mike
Venner, the latest production from Beehive Theatre Co. which is based in Dingle.
This is a difficult, but ultimately rewarding night of theatre. The difficulty
was with the script, parts of which were too long, in particular the monologue
of the war weary, war correspondent Joe Wood played by the author Mike Venner.
However the acting by Venner was on par with the excellent standard we expect
from him, and the monologue set the context for the rest of the play.
The second half of the play takes off and leaves the audience stunned. It
portrays the savagery of war and its impact on everyone, not just those at
the front. It also exhibited an incredible high standard of acting, in particular
by Danielle Rosenberg, but also by Ben Farr and Trish Hendricks. Rosenberg's
performance would have graced any stage in the country. We sat open mouthed
at the intensity of the part and her memorable performance as the young mother
who comes to the attention of the British secret services as a result of her
son's activities. The scene of her interrogation was wonderful theatre, and
the intensity made you want to look away at times.
The play ends with the arrival on stage of the chain shackled Greg O'Sullivan
Jr. in the now familiar orange boiler suits worn by those in Guantanamo detention
centre. He didn't have to speak a line, but the impact of war on people was
clear to be seen.
This play continues a strong tradition for Beehive Theatre Co. of high production
values and the amazing ability to unearth new acting talent in West Kerry.
Direction was imaginative by Wendy Rosenberg, who also had a cameo on stage
with her daughter.
The play was well served with a sparse set and to think that it was all written
and staged in a little town far from the war fronts of this crazy world.
Micheal Collins