Girl on an Altar – Abbey Theatre – Review

An Abbey Theatre and Kiln Theatre co-production – Girl on an Altar – 8 July – 19 August 2023

Written by Marina Carr
Directed by Annabelle Comyn

We meet Clytemnestra (Eileen Walsh) on the eve of her daughter’s wedding day. Her ten-year-old daughter Iphigenia is far too young to be married and she is concerned about the union. The marriage is taking place for political reasons, as her husband, King Agamemnon (David Walmsley), is worried he is losing control of the kingdom. Clytemnestra is woken early on the wedding day by her servant Cilissa (Aoibhéann McCann). There is some confusion in the camp that is not related to the wedding. There is talk that her husband is about to carry out an unspeakable act, to sacrifice his daughter to appease the Gods!

This is a co-production between the Abbey Theatre and the Kiln Theatre in London. The production was first staged in London last summer, receiving an impressive critical response. The two lead actors Eileen Walsh (Clytemnestra) and David Walmsley (Agamemnon), along with Aegisthus (Daon Broni) and Tyndareus (Jim Findley) were in the original production. There are two new cast members in this production, with Cassandra (Pattie Maguire) and Cilissa (Aoibhéann McCann).

This play tells a story inspired by the Greek myth of ‘Agamemnon’ from Aeschylus’ Oresteia. Agamemnon sacrificed his daughter Iphigenia to the Gods for help in the Trojan Wars. In the original, Agamemnon’s wife, Queen Clytemnestra, is furious with this actions and plots his murder. In this version of the story, she is more conflicted, while her husband’s actions are shocking, she still has feeling for him after many years of marriage.

The story is told in a slightly unusual fashion. While there is dialogue and conversations between the various characters, it often reverts to a series of internal monologues. We hear the thoughts and feelings of the characters, as they talk directly to the audience, or seem lost in a reverie. This style adds to the unnerving feel of the production.

The play is by Irish playwright Marina Carr. Carr’s work is regularly produced by the Abbey, with works such as By the Bog of Cats, Portia Coughlan and iGirl appearing in the recent past. Carr has explored the Greek myths in other works such as Hecuba (2015), which even features some of the same characters, as we meet Agamemnon and Cassandra at an earlier time in their lives.

Set Designer, Tom Piper, has created an adaptable space for the action to take place in. It is often the bedroom of Clytemnestra, but it doubles as prison cells and other spaces. There is a tall slated wall at the back of the set, which is opened frequently to reveal a space behind it, with mirrors on the walls. Lighting, smoke and projections are used to show the state of confusion of the various characters.

With four of the actors from the original London-based production, this does at times feel like a touring production. The presence of Pattie Maguire (Cassandra) and Aoibhéann McCann (Cilissa) alters that perspective and it was wise to include some new faces. The story is one we have heard before but this is a new slant on the tale, as the audience becomes involved with the two characters in this failing marriage. David Walmsley plays Agamemnon as a beast of a man, all muscle and simmering fury. He has ruled his kingdom through cruel methods but his marriage seems more difficult to control. The performance of Eileen Walsh as Clytemnestra is the undoubted highlight of the production. She is an extremely complex character, as we see her struggle to come to terms with her husband’s actions. He remains the love of her life despite his monstrous nature, and he is devoted to her. If you’re concerned about the violence of the script, much of it happens off-stage with very few moments acted out. The play is quite cerebral, with the characters processing the violence that is part of their daily lives. Due to the nature of the plot, it was never going to be an easy night at the theatre, but the quality of the script and acting is obvious to all.

Credits
Aegisthus: Daon Broni
Tyndareus: Jim Findley
Cassandra: Pattie Maguire
Cilissa: Aoibhéann McCann
Agamemnon: David Walmsley
Clytemnestra: Eileen Walsh

Writer: Marina Carr
Director: Annabelle Comyn
Set and Costume Designer: Tom Piper
Lighting Designer: Amy Mae
Composer and Sound Designer: Philip Stewart
Projection Designer: Will Duke
Original Movement and Intimacy Director: Ingrid MacKinnon
Dublin Movement and Intimacy Director: Sue Mythen
Hair and Makeup: Leonard Daly
Associate Lighting Designer: Kevin McFadden
Voice Director: Andrea Ainsworth, Cathal Quinn
Original Casting: Julia Horan CDG
Dublin Casting: Sarah Jones
Producer: Craig Flaherty
Production Manager: Andy Keogh
Company Manager: Danny Erskine
Company Stage Manager: Clive Welsh
Deputy Stage Manager: Tara Furlong
Assistant Stage Manager: Leanne Vaughey
Costume Supervisor: Síofra Ní Chiardha
Producing Assistant: Aoife McCollum
Technical Production Co-ordinator: Justin Murphy