The Great Hunger, Smock Alley

Within this sparseness, is the deep, rich, lyrical poetry of Patrick Kavanagh. It is a long poem, but in the hands of Peter Duffy time does not intrude. Only the changing seasons, life and death, that surrounds Pat Maguire, the protagonist of the piece, in his work clothes, torn jacket, cap and sack cloth tied around his lower legs and ankles, while we get a glimpse of his mother, sister, neighbours and friends. Plus some brilliantly wry observations. The narrator evident with the removal of the cap. Duffy's is a controlled, tempered and excellently understated performance that allows the ordinariness ring through the poetic words. 

In the programme notes the idea was to create a theatrical representation that keeps the words centre stage. They have more than accomplished that. Kavanagh's words feel as if they belong there. Fades to black are used to signal the end of sections, letting the performer move to the next point, while sun, coolness, night and day feel natural. Silence or background noise is used excellently, giving us all a respite, but underlining the unrushed nature of the work and performance, or sound within a scene gives us a sense of place and openness. Every word has meaning, every word is understood and the humour comes through wonderfully.

Bare Bodkin's production of The Great Hunger is a joy to watch, delivered with a skill and tone that allows words to sink in, and draws you into Maguire's world. The idea of a poem in a theatrical setting may put some off. It shouldn't. Lyrical, beautiful and earthy; it is all there resulting in a captivating night in the theatre.