The roaring twenties, where 'anything goes', excess and wild parties were the norm, before the decade itself crashed down around everything, and one of those figures that looms large in those Charleston days is Zelda Fitzgerald. Our first real glimpse of her is kneeling at the side of an iron bed, alone in the plain, clinical, institutional room, and not there of her own choice, but the choice of others. Told from her point of view, in Eddie Naughton's new play, it is not so much a biography of Zelda, but rather a look at her character, her own yearnings to write, letting us know the difference of being the muse and then the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. At times playful and humorous, with a lot of wonderful witty lines, 'I'm your wife, try to show some bias', it also shows how much in his shadow she was, despite the flamboyant, Gatsby-esque lifestyle, 'The Flappers', prohibition, experimentation, alongside this yearning to be her own artist, and putting that on hold, while noting that Fitzgerald feels that plagiarism begins at home, as he uses what she says for his writing.
Sharon Coade's Zelda gives us a picture of this complicated, fun loving individual, wanting so much to be her own person, yet always destined to be linked with, even in the shadow, of Fitzgerald. It is a thoughtful, never overplayed, sincere performance, complete with twenties style dance, to remind us where we are. It is during the tales that she brings out the best, giving us a glimpse of a spirited person, full of life, love and daring, told with a distinct southern drawl, bringing a glow and glint to her eyes, like a giddy teenager, all very infectious, counterpointed by the despair and questioning her place in life, and life itself.
Aoife Fealy has created a wonderful set once again, having done so before in Slippers earlier this year. Unlike that outing, this is more abstract, the walls covered in pages from books, some white, some yellowing, others looked like they have been edited, placing Zelda herself among the words and artistry she admires and strives for. The lighting is atmospheric, designed by Eoghan Carrick, at one point placing her in a soft, lavender glow that is reminiscent of large scale productions, making us focus on the words and image.
There were times it felt very literary, that doesn't include all the name dropping such as Hemmingway, Dorothy Parker, even Cole Porter, all serving to remind us of the life and times they lived in, but rather lacking a spark in places that was very much present at other times. It is directed with care, by Sarah Finlay, while also reminding us of the social mores of the times they lived in.
This new play produced by Fast Intent, is both an interesting and enjoyable work running at about an hour, that unveils the character of Zelda Fitzgerald and in showing how she wanted to be out of the shadow of the literary giant, how even now, she is as much part of it, while even giving critics a word of warning in the final moments.
Runs until 14th June
Poster courtesy of Theatre Upstairs
More info: www.theatreupstairs.ie