The Frozen Field | Eoghan Lyng

Clocks. Junk. Double birthdays.These are just a few of the solobrous things talked about in Rory McConville`s incredibly original play “The Frozen Field”.

An accomplished piece of absurdist theatre, the play captured the avant garde sensibilities of Samuel Beckett with the intelligence of Tom Stoppard.  Director Jack Holland, whose dramatic tour de force “The Big Boy” (2012) scooped Production of The Year at the 2013 Drammies, more than adequately keeps such a cerebral play moving along  nicely. Minimalism is key to this production.

Adorned by only three actors and a handful of props, the stage instantly gives its audience a peculiar feeling of austerity from beginning to end. The actors in question (Aidan Moriarty, Josephine Dennehy and Cáit Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh) are, by in large, excellent in their parts, throwing themselves (quite literally) into the fray with great physicality and ability. As a director, Holland has a great eye for imagery.

Dennehy and Moriarty wheeling Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh`s  arms in a circular motion was a moment of visual ingenuity,  while the scene in which Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh and Moriarty sit to stop time from melting further has a tangible feeling of pathos. With an audible energy to accompany the decorous nature of the play, “The Frozen Field” is a decidedly atmospheric play.  True, the play could have easily been shortened by ten minutes, while the lighting is satisfactory at best. But these are minor gripes and can be easily overlooked when the audience is treated to such inventiveness.

ll in all, “The Frozen Field” is a very strong production, aided by a competent director, writer and cast. Not to be missed!

The Frozen Field runs in The Kino until 28th September.