Mr. Bergmann of Deadman’s Point – Mill Theatre – Review

Dates:

Mill Theatre – Sat. May 30th 8.00pm

Draiocht, Blanchardstown Thurs. June 4th 8.00pm

We meet Balmy Corrigan (Ronan Dempsey) just as he is about to begin work on the body laid out on the plinth before him. Balmy is an embalmer, preparing the deceased for one final viewing before burial. The body belongs to a man of unknown origin who was found in the sea off Rosses Point, Sligo. The locals have christened him Mr Bergmann, though his true identity remains a mystery. As Balmy goes about his work, he speculates on the man’s possible past while recounting how he himself became an outcast within his local community.

This touring production was written by and stars Ronan Dempsey. Dempsey trained at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin before continuing his studies at the more unconventional École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris, renowned for its emphasis on a physical, body-centred approach to actor training.

Dempsey takes on two roles in this one-man play. The first is Balmy, an optimistic and well-intentioned man grappling with his altered place in the community. The second is the mysterious figure on the plinth. For this role, Dempsey wears a mask and remains silent throughout, as the audience witnesses the man’s journey to Sligo and the events leading up to his suicide.

The performance took place in the main auditorium of the Mill Theatre (the Karen Carleton Auditorium), a venue with seating for more than 200 people. The production may be better suited to a smaller space; however, as Dempsey’s performance seeks to draw the audience into an intimate and personal world. His delivery is understated and conversational, rather than the larger, more commanding style often associated with performances in venues of this size.

At 75 minutes, the play asks a great deal of a single performer, and sustaining an audience’s attention for that length of time is no small task. Some judicious editing could strengthen the piece further, reducing it to a tighter and more focused 60 minutes. Nevertheless, it is always encouraging to see new work on stage, and this production demonstrates considerable promise. There are several effective moments of humour, particularly in the colourful gallery of local characters, whose distinctive nicknames are accompanied by entertaining stories of their origins. The contrast between the two central figures, combined with Dempsey’s use of markedly different performance styles, showcases an impressive range and versatility.

Cast – 

Mr. Bergmann Ronan Dempsey/Heinz Lechleither

Balmy Corrigan Ronan Dempsey

Martha Corrigan Luna Harrison-Doyle

Creatives –

Written by Ronan Dempsey

Dramaturg/Associate Director Helen Tennison

Lighting Design Rebecca Walsh

Sound Design Ronan Dempsey

Sound Tech Design Gavin Hennessy

Stage Manager Rachel Stout

Producer Nth Degree Productions