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Balally Players received strong praise from adjudicator Tony Finnegan for their production of Eugene O'Brien's Heaven last evening the fourth night of Newry Drama Festival. The play set in present day Edenderry, Co. Offaly, drew particular commendation for its technical presentation and the performances of its two actors.
Finnegan opened his adjudication by acknowledging the structural challenges the piece presents. The play is built entirely from monologues, with its two characters never directly interacting with one another, instead addressing the audience throughout. He noted that this format places considerable demands on the production team, with scenery, lighting and sound required to carry the weight of the timeline, the flashbacks and the dramatic context.
On the theme, Finnegan explained that the play centres on the question of whether one should settle for stability or pursue something closer to perfection, and whether perfection is attainable at all.
The set design drew early praise. Finnegan felt the scenery was beautiful, describing the use of vertical lines tying all the elements together as very good. He also highlighted the smoke machine, noting that its use across different parts of the set added significantly to the atmosphere.
Lighting and sound were singled out as a particular strength. Finnegan described them as excellent, with both operating closely together and in coordination with the actors. He said that the use of coloured lights at different times, the pulsing of light and colour scrolling really worked, and praised the soundscapes as very good. The management of music volume to allow the actors' voices to be heard was also well done, he said.
Costumes and make-up were handled effectively, with Finnegan noting that the various changes required by the character Mal worked seamlessly. He felt that Mal's clean-cut appearance reflected the fastidiousness of his character.
Turning to the performances, Finnegan was complimentary about both leads. Of Mairead (Claire Parkes), he said she had a very good look and that her accent was also very good. He praised her stillness during Mal's scenes and her physicality throughout, and said he loved her softer tones, her ability to show vulnerability despite her tough persona. It was a very good performance, he concluded.
Of Mal (Declan O'Loughlin), Finnegan noted that his stillness when Mairead was speaking was very disciplined, and highlighted his voice intonation, the dry mouth when talking about the rent boy, his use of accents when describing other characters. "That was fantastic," he commented, also praising Mal's physicality and dancing as nicely played.
Finnegan reserved considerable praise for the direction, noting that a play consisting entirely of monologues risks becoming a radio play without strong oversight. He felt that the clever use of movement, light, placing, tone, rhythm, pitch all got a strong hand. It was always lovely to look at, he said, and he congratulated the entire team on the production.
The Plays
- Friday 27 March: Hansard - Rosemary Drama Group
- Saturday 28 March: Da - Bunclody/ Kilmyshall
