Distillation – Abbey Theatre (Peacock Stage) – Review
by M. Quinn

22 January – 10 February 2024
Created and Performed by Luke Casserly

Distillation was part of the Dublin Theatre Festival in 2023

Distillation – A Luke Casserly, Abbey Theatre and Solas Nua production

The piece takes place in an altered version of the Peacock Theatre. Our solo performer, Luke Casserly, guides the audience into the space through a side entrance. It is a darkened room, with a large circular table at its centre, lit from above. There are about 20 chairs around the perimeter of the table. The table is covered in clay, peat, twigs and moss. This production focuses on the most unloved of habitats, the Irish bog.

This piece is written and performed by Luke Casserly. It’s an exploration, both personal and scientific, of the bog landscape. Luke grew up in a ‘midlands bog’ and his father made his living working with Bord na Móna, stripping the peat to sell. In recent years, we have realised the value of the bog as a carbon sink, and its role in the natural environment. While Bord na Móna has managed to recreate itself as a company focusing on other areas, the jobs have also moved away from the bogs which has affected the local community.

Luke wears a long white smock. He sits at one side of the table, slowly talking to his audience. It has the feel of a spiritual occasion as if he is leading a religious experience in the new cult of the bog! There are a few unexpected events along the way, one reminiscent of Happy Days by Beckett. The production has occasional touches of humour which help to lighten the atmosphere in the room.

The production allows the audience to immerse themselves in the bog, with the sights and smells of the landscape. On several occasions, Luke passes around samples of soil and moss, and the audience is encouraged to breathe deeply to take in its musty scent. Luke admits that he found the boglands boring during his youth, but has learned to appreciate them in recent years. The production is a slow, methodical and occasionally surprising experience that allows the audience members to learn more about our native landscape.

Credits
Created by: Luke Casserly
Perfume Artist: Joan Woods
Sculpture: Ger Clancy
Dramaturgy: Rex Daugherty
Costume: Doreen McKenna
Additional Costume: Síofra Caherty
Video: Robert Higgins
Sound: Sam Hardiman
Artistic Documentation: Fergal Styles
Production Photography: Patricio Cassinoni