FAITH HEALER To 9 May 2009.
Salisbury
FAITH HEALER
by Brian Friel.
Salisbury Theatre (Salberg Studio) To 9 May 2009.
Mon-Sat 7.45 pm Mat Sat 2.45 pm.
Post-show discussion 5th May.
Runs 2hr 25min One interval.
TICKETS: 01722 320333.
www.salisburyplayhouse.com
Review: Mark Courtice 21 April 2009.
Unreliable Narrators.
Friel's play tells a story through a series of monologues. Theoretically undramatic but here done with exquisite control, writing skill matched by excellent performances and a sensitive production.
Other than at the curtain call, the actors never share the stage except during the first set change when they sing in harmony as they move chairs. Here drama is reported, in different versions of the same set of events given by each of the narrators, their unreliability a function of their character. In each iteration further glimpses of the truth, and further lies, are revealed.
The story hinges on three events in the lives of a touring faith healer Frank Hardy, his wife Grace and manager Teddy. As a sort of specific against admitting the distressing truth of their lives, Frank and Grace recite a litany of the names of the villages in Scotland and Wales to which they tour. One name recalls a moment of triumph when Frank cures all ten unfortunates from a Welsh village. Two names resonate with sadness – recalling the locations of the tragedies that are the wellsprings of the story.
Philip Wilson's austere production is carefully costumed on a bare planked stage. Connor Byrne seizes the space, prowling amongst the empty chairs and filling the hall with Frank’s personality – he “performs”, sometimes he can cure people, and sometimes (he knows when) nothing will happen. Either way, for him and his little team the inexorable journey to his tragic destiny continues, powerfully evoked as he finally leaves the stage.
Grace abandoned her middle class roots and career as a lawyer to follow Frank, and for her monologue she is almost physically attached to the table on which the drink and fags by which she measures her desperation (a bleakly moving account here by Maggie O’Brien).
Teddy, the cockney wide-boy manager, works his way through a half dozen beers as he dispenses advice about the complexities of managing talented dogs and dove trainers, while failing to hide the pain of the loss of more than just another client. Patrick Driver skillfully nails the humanity behind the cheeky chappy persona.
Frank Connor Byrne.
Grace Maggie O'Brien.
Teddy Patrick Driver.
Director/Designer: Philip Wilson.
Lighting: Peter Hunter.
2009-04-24 10:35:26