Na Peirsigh / Persians – Abbey Theatre (Peacock Stage) – Review

6 March – 6 April 2024
Photography by Ros Kavanagh

The Persian warriors, led by their King Xerxes, have travelled to wage war on the Greeks. There has been no word of how the battle has gone and those left behind are starting to fear the worst. We meet a collection of individuals waiting for news and praying. In their midst is The Queen Mother, Atossa. A messenger arrives and gives those assembled the news that the war has not gone according to plan and now they have to deal with the consequences.

This is a Greek play written in 472 BC by Aeschylus. An unusual fact is that the play is the second part of a trilogy, but the other two parts have been lost so it is the only one that remains. Now, nearly two and a half thousand years later, the Irish poet and playwright Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill has translated the work. The play is presented in Irish with English surtitles, with the text projected onto the proscenium arch just above the stage.

Director Conor Hanratty and his team have created a stylish look and feel for this production. The piece is visually striking, due to the talents of set designer Maree Kearns and lighting designer Paul Keogan, and they deserve much praise. The piece is performed in a murky light, with candles often being the main light source, creating something quite unnerving. The stage is simple but effective, with steps at the back of the stage leading to a single door at the raised level. The costumes by Joan O’Clery are long flowing robes which also add to the atmosphere.

It is often said that the history books are written by the victors, so it is an unusual slant to give the perspective of those on the losing side. We see their anguish at the loss of their loved ones. It is amazing to think that the play was written thousands of years ago. While the piece may not be as complex as many modern plays, it still has much to say to a modern audience, especially with wars raging throughout the world. It is rare to see a play performed in Irish on stage in Dublin, so during Seachtain na Gaeilge and just before St Patrick’s Day, there is no better time.

Credits
Aistritheoir / Translator: Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill
Stiúrthóir / Director: Conor Hanratty
Dearadh Seit / Set Design: Maree Kearns
Dearadh Feistis / Costume Design: Joan O’Clery
Dearadh Soilsithe / Lighting Design: Paul Keogan
Cumadóir agus Dearadh Fuaime / Composer & Sound Design: Mel Mercier
Stiúrthóir Gluaiseachta / Movement Director: Eoin Mac Donncha
CastGruaig agus Smideadh / Hair & Make Up: Val Sherlock
Stiúrthóir Gutha / Voice Director: Andrea Ainsworth
Stiúrthóir Cúnta / Assistant Director: James Riordan
Dearthóir Cúnta Seit / Assistant Set Design: Ronan Duffy
Dearthóir Cúnta Soilsithe / Associate Lighting Designer: Iris Liange
Stiúrthóir Páirteanna / Casting Director: Deborah Pearce
Foireann Aisteoirí / Cast: Karen Ardiff
Foireann Aisteoirí / Cast: Brendan Conroy
Foireann Aisteoirí / Cast: Timmy Creed
Foireann Aisteoirí / Cast: Naoise Mac Cathmhaoil
Foireann Aisteoirí / Cast: Deirdre Molloy
Foireann Aisteoirí / Cast: Séamus Moran
Foireann Aisteoirí / Cast: Caitríona Ní Mhurchú
Foireann Aisteoirí / Cast: Bríd Ní Neachtain
Foireann Aisteoirí / Cast: Marion O’Dwyer