The Arts Review​

Gaja Masciale in Mirandolina by Marina Carr. Image: Serena Serrani. ** Like The Gate's seasonal Christmas Show, an annual Marina Carr production at The Abbey, directed by The Abbey's artistic director Caitríona McLaughlin, has become something of an unquestioned fixture over the past decade. Carr's work occasionally great, McLaughlin having her good days too. But it bears repeating that no playwright should enjoy that degree of favouritism no matter how good their work, espec

Vincent Patrick, Adam Redmond, and Lacy Moore in The Pitchfork Disney. Image James Donnelly **** Art manifestos. Or Mission Statements as they're currently called, in keeping with a business-like approach to theatre. Declarations of intent outlining a company's artistic vision. Like Judder Theatre Company and their vision for Techno Theatre. Described as combining elements of DIY with electronic music culture, atmospheric sets, no-holds-barred source material and visceral st

Liam Wilson Smyth and Molly Downey in Synapses. Image uncredited. **** In Liam Wilson Smyth's disjointed Synapses, Emily and Mike negotiate a new normal now their strained marriage has ended. As Mike repairs a broken light socket, they talk to achieve a workable understanding for the sake of their unseen six-year-old son; less a child so much as a dramatic device to highlight the impact of separation on children. Emily, as insufferably dull as a legal document, controls the c