Stella full of Storms written by Kate Gilmore – Review by Frank L.

A set consisting of a back wall painted in a greyish blue upon which have been placed three clusters of light brown pyramids of random size which protrude from the wall at ninety degrees. They create a sense of jaggedness which complements the text which is about “the crush” a teenage girl, Stella, has for Anna a young woman whose affections lie elsewhere. The only prop is a chair upon which Stella (Clodagh Mooney Duggan) sits as she begins to describe her angst as she relates the story of the storms which surround her. She cannot comprehend why Anna has walked away from her given their friendship.

The text requires changes of mood and in one scene the use of the word “liar” with increasing strength in relation to statements being made to Stella’s mother by a third person. Not easy for one actor to carry off such a feat but Duggan was probably at her most effective with this tricky sequence. Her irrational rage was raw and palpable as she spat out the word “liar”. The pain that teenagers endure is all consuming and deeply inward looking. There is not much room for anyone else in the bleakness of their moments of despair and there is not any doubt that Stella comes within this group.

It is worth remembering that Duggan is alone at all times on stage and she does create empathy for the plight of Stella which is no mean feat as teenagers in the blues are not the most lovable of the human race. She handles a far from simple text with a sense of assuredness and makes one glad that the teenage age years and their angst are in the past. A serious performance.

PREMIERES November 11th – 22nd, 2014

CAST – Clodagh Mooney Duggan as STELLA
CREATIVE TEAM

Director / Sarah Finlay

Set Design / Ashleigh Dorrell

Lighting Design / Eoghan Carrick

Visual Design / Ste Murray

DATES: Tuesday, November 11th – Saturday, November 22nd

1PM Performances:

Tuesday – Saturday
(Nov 11th – 15th / Nov 18th – 22nd)

7PM Performances:

Thursday – Saturday
(Nov 13th -15th / Nov 20th – 22nd)
Tickets: €10 / €8 (student concession)
Includes light lunch at 1PM performances.