Duet for One by Tom Kempinski at Viking Theatre, Clontarf – Review by P McGovern

Tom Kempinski‘s Duet for One is based on the later life of Jacqueline du Pré, the strikingly beautiful and prodigiously talented young musician whose career was cut off tragically by the onset of Multiple Sclerosis. Or rather it is based on her struggle to confront the reality of what has been taken from her by her illness, to find the meaning of life and art and to salvage the courage to go on living. If the plot provides all the material for self-indulgent emoting and facile theatrics, neither playwright nor players are interested in exploiting it. Instead we have a thoughtful, beautifully understated production (by Dan O’Mahony) in which mere sentimentality gives way to true emotion, where ideas are given the space to take root in the audience’s mind and develop there long after one has left the theatre.

Michael Shanley’s Dr.Feldman is simply superb. His performance is consistently secure: physically, emotionally and vocally he is totally convincing as the psychiatrist. This actor trusts silence and stillness; gestures are calm and controlled, voice hardly ever raised. He is focused on his patient, nudging her towards self-knowledge and a pragmatic but positive acceptance of her condition. When it becomes necessary to jolt her out of any flirtation with suicide, professional detachment gives way to passionate conviction.

As Stephanie Abrahams, Brenda Larby is no less convincing. Over the six consultations we see her gradually shed the affected poise, as she moves through phases of denial, defiance and anger directed against her husband and her doctor towards eventual reconciliation and courage. It is a deeply affecting performance, especially in the second act as the physical toll of the illness is more obvious and she weakens physically and vocally. A minor quibble might be that her accent became more Irish in the angry outbursts in Act l. However, this is a memorable performance.

Feldman seems to say so little and intervene so seldom in their consultations, that it might almost seems as a solo performance by his patient. However, like the subtlest of accompanists, he supports the “soloist” to just the right degree, giving her the security to see her through her performance. In the end, we are left with the impression of a deeply impressive theatrical two-step.

The theatre itself was a revelation to this reviewer. Located on Clontarf Rd., beside Connolly’s pub, it is easily accessible and has ample parking across the road. Intimate, comfortable and quiet it is a wonderful venue for such a production. The show continues to October 10th – it is one not to be missed.

Duet for One

Written by Tom Kempinski
Directed by Dan O Mahony
Starring Michael Shanley and Brenda Larby