Motherkraft – Project Arts Centre – Review
Theatre / 20-23 March 2024

There are 3 members of the cast already on stage as the production begins.  They are seated behind desks and operating a variety of computers and other electronic gadgets. As the piece begins, they are joined by the main performer for the evening, Regan O’Brien.

The piece is essentially a collection of songs with movement and spoken word between them.  The production touches on the science fiction genre and feels quite otherworldly.

The songs are vocal pieces, along with some live guitar and recorded sound.  The emphasis is on the vocal performance of Regan O’Brien.

“At the heart of my artistic work I am exploring the questions of flow, sci-fi, human connection and trans-form-ation. With this in mind, over time, I have developed a performance practice traversing dance and theatre vocabulary, song and voice as a vibratory medium that inter-relates art, health, and social change.” – Regan O’Brien

There are interesting visuals projected onto the back wall of the set.  These are geometric shapes and images that look like cells dividing and growing. The lighting is well done, creating different moods and styles.

The movement between the songs is slow and quite simple in nature. There are also some spoken word pieces which increase the complex nature of the plot. The story is only hinted at but the website tells us “her mission to seek out and confront the dominant forces controlling her sense of self and to dissolve their intrusions into her body space”.

The piece is meant to create an aura of mystery, and it doesn’t make it easy for the viewer to follow. Instead, the focus is on the collection of songs dotted throughout the piece. You can find a sample of this below with the song Hungry.

Credits:

Created and performed by Regan O’Brien

Directed and choreographed by Jason Byrne and Ella Clarke

Live band: Robbie Blake (vocals), Sharon Phelan (electronics and voice), Meljoann Ryan (guitar, voice, and beats)

Lighting Design: Eoin Winning

Set Design: Regan O’Brien, Ella Clarke and Jason Byrne

Video Design: Jason Byrne

Script by Regan O’Brien

Script editing Jeffrey Gormly

Dramaturgical consultants Jeffrey Gormly

Original songs composed by Regan O’Brien

Sound Design: Sharon Phelan

Vocal Arrangement: Robbie Blake

Voice Overs: David Layde, Regan O’Brien

Stage Manager: Jessica Fitzsimons Kane

Production Management: Showscope

PR: Stephanie Dickenson

Art Work: Karl Burke

Produced by Michelle Cahill