Vessel, The New Theatre

There is no dramatic arc, the programme notes do point out that while fictional it is episodic, showing an awareness of their work. Nor is there a single, central character, unless you position the message or theme as that. The opening takes us through an airport as three women head to England by themselves for abortions, unfortunately not a new thing at all in Irish society. At the back of the stage cases are piled to emphasis the point, the remainder bare for the most part, with the five actors dressed in grey.

Once returned the three couples reunite, each having the same conversation, same feelings and emotions, from anger, upset and finally, being united. There is also the coolness of the courtroom, where women testify in an attempt to be allowed have the 'medical procedure' in Ireland, but the courts decide it is not to be, echoes of recent and not so recent cases, calling women in by letter brings us back to other times, but of course they are in our time as well.

Sounds and overlapping voices enhance the rawness, while words in black written all over the upper body of the women register with us without anything bring said, the labels and questions society places; in fact in the first sequence it is what people might think that keeps the trip to England a secret. There is a lot to it, directed by Anna Simpson and her committed cast, in terms of physical, visual and metaphorical, that doesn't overstay their time (it runs for fifty minutes) or preach, a trap such pieces can fall into.

The marionette tea party sequence is a creative way to show inner feelings and outer control, and on message. At one point a woman gives a speech in favour of abortion and is shouted down from the audience, the cast having blended into the auditorium, which makes it immediate and brings us into the action, even though we are spectators, which is an interesting thought, although handing out blank placards to the audience to be used for only a moment is something that perhaps works better in promenade. 

It is not an easy night at the theatre, taped mouths being a prominent image, with the message front and centre, all brought to us by this young company and cast. The work is timely and relevant, while presenting the theme in a direct way, reminding us of where we are right now, and where we have still left to go.

Devised by Quintessance Theatre Company
Director: Anna Simpson

Cast:
Leah Rossiter, Aisling Maria Cronin, Fiona Keenan O'Brien, Shane English, Conor Honan

Lighting Design and Operation - Nell Conneally
Poster Design - Conal McIntyre
Exectutive Producer - Paul Hayes
Venue - The New Theatre, Dublin