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Last night’s Newry Drama Festival saw the local production of Samuel Beckett’s “Happy Days” by local group Newpoint Players. Playing to a packed house you could hear a pin drop in the Town Hall such was the intensity with which the audience was focused.
Belonging to the Theatre of the Absurd, the play, set in a post- apocalyptic world focuses on Winnie who for some inexplicable reason is buried up to her waist, but continues to follow her daily routine and prattles to her husband Willie, who is largely hidden and taciturn. Her frequent refrain is “Oh this is a happy day.”
Adjudicator Ailbhe Garvey - Hughes in her opening remarks commented “that it takes a very brave director to take on such a play.” Director Sean Treanor clearly understood the technical and vocal range of the show. Mrs Garvey Hughes complimented the well- constructed set which captured the bleak baron deserted space very well and said the sound and lighting were very well judged. She highlighted the total black out at the end of Act 1 which she noted “is difficult to achieve” but powerful in effect.
The character Winnie played by Treasa Davey, is “an Everest of a part. “She must have a good, well -modulated voice, otherwise the audience wouldn’t listen.” Treasa’s performance kept the audience engaged throughout. When she addressed Willie who was behind her there was no loss of clarity and she portrayed the poignant moment when Winnie opens the music box and reminisces about happier days with her husband Willie, beautifully.
Willie, played by Donal O’Hanlon provided physical comedy to a faceless part. He gave a fine dramatic appearance and had a voice of great resonance. Mrs Garvey - Hughes felt the shade of Winnie’s top was lost in the blandness of the set, but she found the addition of her red hat- a transformation. She made the point that there should be a seismic difference between the upbeat Act 1 and the fear and desolation of Act 2. Beckett had stated clearly that when Winnie is buried up to her neck in the second act there should not be any head movement- she should be totally still leaving only her voice, face and eyes to communicate. “If Winnie had been totally still it would have enhanced the atmosphere of fear and forbodance.”
However, she concluded, “overall Newpoint Players have produced a work of very high calibre with wonderful acting.” She thanked them for offering the audience and herself “ a super production. “
Tonight it is Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group performing The Night Alive by Conor McPherson. Tickets available at the door.
