Jerusalem
Silken Thomas has added an extra performance on Wed 22nd Feb in lieu of the postponed CAN Percussion Trio gig.
Described as a modern day classic, Jerusalem is unarguably one of the best dramas of the 21st century. Set on St. Georges Day, the morning of the local county fair, Johnny 'Rooster' Byron, local waster and modern pied piper is a wanted man. The council officials want to serve him an eviction notice, his son wants to be taken to the fair, a father wants to give him a serious kicking and a motley crew of mates want his ample supply of drugs and alcohol. This modern classic is reminiscent of an Irish style play and is a wonderful, rollicking dark bawdy comedy.
Please note that in this show there is:
- Strobe Lighting (used infrequently/minimally in the show)
- Frequent Strong Language
- Smoking of herbal cigarettes throughout
Colin Barry (Freelance Journalist) review
In this play Liam Quinlivan, in the lead role of Rooster Byron, presents us with a character who is sage, mystic, buffoon, who can turn kind or cruel on the swivel of his bad heel; a man at odds with the world. In the words of Kris Kristofferson’s iconic ballad, ‘...he’s a walking contradiction, partly truth- partly fiction.’ Quinlivan’s interpretation of Rooster is masterly. He carries the enigma that is Rooster for almost the full length of the play: it’s entirely believable that teenagers from the surrounding area flock to him and for sure it’s not solely the drugs and the booze that lure them to Rooster’s forest. His place is a refuge for these dysfunctional youngsters. Rooster is a spinner of tall yarns, who knows his tradition, his genealogy, who wants to be loved but knows he is unlovable, who has morals but perhaps not enough of them and those he has are questionable – he knows and believes in the power of a curse.
From an authentic and stunning set Rooster’s story unfolds: Colin Malone’s ‘Ginger’ is nervy, funny and energetic. He is Rooster’s oldest ‘disciple’ – a wannabe DJ, a foil for Rooster’s stories. Malone’s abilities, an All-Ireland Best Supporting Actor winner, are at their best here. Last year the judge at the All-Ireland Finals in Athlone wondered why he wasn’t among the professional ranks. Judging by last week’s performance the same question will be asked again. Indeed, Quinlivan is more than ably supported by a cast that includes a previous All-Ireland Best Actor Winner, Conor O’Connell, who plays ‘Wesley’ who knows Rooster of old, but has no loyalty to him when the chips are down. O’Connell’s ‘Wesley’ is memorable. So are other performances...Connie Broderick will win many admirers for his role as the absent minded professor; Jonathan Judge for his portrayal of ‘Davey’ a young home loving man who asks, ‘...get beyond France and there are countries popping up all over...what’s that all about?’
Director Sean Judge’s choice of play for this year’s festival circuit looks to be an astute decision, one based on his 40 years experience in the world of amateur drama. As usual, Silken Thomas Players have taken on a work that is fresh, original, challenging and well-worth going to see. Here’s hoping that the road to Athlone ends on a happy note for this ground-breaking group. If Mr Butterworth had been sitting in the audience watching the Silken Thomas Players perform his play, he would have left the theatre thoroughly satisfied. I know that the audience did.
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