Stephanie Claire
"A poignant, important play you need to see: I was very impressed," is Joanna Price's view on 'Quietly' at the Omnibus Theatre, Clapham until 27 October 2018.
Details
Venue: Omnibus Theatre, Clapham
Price: £16
Upcoming Shows & Times:
Wed 17 - Sat 27 Oct, 9pm
Book here: omnibus-clapham.org
Our Verdict
Comprising of just three actors in one of the final shows of Omnibus Theatre’s Irish Season, 'Quietly' is the story of two very different men with interlinked pasts. Overseen by a Polish barman, the two men attempt to discuss the past and come to a resolution of forgiveness, or at the very least, acceptance.
The Omnibus Theatre could not be more fitting to set the scene for the play. The bar already in the theatre becomes a prop in the show, with just a few Irish touches and, of course, the two barstools to make it into a set. With just one set and three actors, the acting capabilities of Matt Dunphy, Nick Danan and Paul Lloyd were able to shine, and their characters were faultless.
The play begins with the Polish barman, Robert, entering the Belfast bar, switching the television on and watching the football whilst sending the occasional text to love interests. Regular bar-goer, Jimmy then enters the bar, talks to Robert about football and warns him that he is meeting a man and that trouble might follow. The man in question, Ian then enters, and immediately the tension in the bar rises, as the heated conversation between Ian and Jimmy ensues.
It is not immediately apparent why these two men appear to harbour such intense anger toward one another and it is actually not revealed for about 20 minutes after their meeting begins, leading to a suspenseful opening. Once this long 20 minutes is up you get a moment of blissful clarity, and all the swearing and harsh language become justified.
Alongside the main story, Jimmy and Ian both tell small anecdotes from their past, all of which are absolutely captivating. I found myself believing that I was watching a documentary rather than a play as each story unfolded – perhaps encouraged by the casual bar setting and the real-life events which the play is based on.
The play ended neatly: issues are not necessarily resolved, but the two men instead “understand each other,” which Jimmy accepts as enough. The play also seems to go full circle, as Jimmy tells barman, Robert, that he was meant to overhear the conversation, and hints that he should learn from the experience. The final scene is one of Robert preparing to defend himself against a violent scene outside, and it is suggested that the issues of prejudice and violence against Catholics in Ireland have now moved onto prejudice against immigrants.
As someone with relatively little education in Irish history, I would strongly recommend it to anyone in the same position as me or, indeed, if you need reminding of it.
