In the last few years, more and more young European voters have made a firm choice: the Right. AJ and Beibhinn are no different. Watching their small Irish town transform post-Brexit, they become increasingly “anti-foreigners” as they “take their jobs” and “increase crime”. The way in which this evolvement of their world impacts their political views and fears is the central storyline in But We’re Right.
By focusing almost entirely around the dialogue of the two young women, Morghan Welt so succinctly guides the audience into the right-wing minds of Europe’s future generation. Including both sides of the argument, she covers key political issues such as freedom of speech, the migrant experience, xenophobia, and racism with such tenacity it forces you to question your own political stance. Though a controversial topic, But We’re Right is so powerful and thought-provoking it’s more than fair to say Welt has created a discourse essential to the conversation.
Aside from the play’s impactful message, But We’re Right is such an eloquent representation of the true craft of theatre. From the fast-paced dialogue that often felt like poetry, to the use of a single step ladder for staging, to bold lighting shifts, the show’s execution is masterful in its own right. It was the use of audio, though, that gave me goosebumps and sent shivers down my spine. Soundbites reeled off true emotions from refugees by listing the belongings they held close as they migrated from one home to another: their favourite clothes, a notebook full of goals, a photo album made by friends.
It’s actors Kate Brosnan and Molly Murphy Hazzard, though, who really bring to life the stories and emotions of so many young people across Europe. Despite being young themselves, both have such tremendous skill that it’s impossible not to become attached to the characters AJ and Beibhinn.
But We’re Right is such a gem of performance that it deserves to be top of your theatre list this year at the Fringe, please catch it while you can (I’m even considering going back a second time!).
But We’re Right is running until 9 August at Sanctuary at Paradise in Augustines.
Buy tickets here.
Image courtesy of Clara Cronin, provided to The Student as press material
