Growing up in rural Ireland, in a Catholic school and an impoverished home, being gay cant be easy. Aoife (Rebecca Donovan) is living this oppressed life – she struggles to decide whether to run as far away from it as she can or stay in the safety of her family. Either way, she feels like she’s losing the battle handed to her. As she asks God to guide her on her journey, we see Aoife slowly come into herself.
This one woman play had its ups and downs of emotions; from ruminations about her alcoholic father and unsupportive mother, to kissing her first girl and going to house parties. There was a good balance of comedy and furious monologue, but the jokes felt unvaried – often the fact of being loud was the joke. However, there are some great laughs to be had.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel like I was seeing anything new with this show. It is greatly important to stage as many experiences and stories as possible to make those going through similar experience feel seen, and this show does just that. However I wonder how valuable this will be to actual young Irish girls looking for hope. It seems that the same messages have been conveyed more effectively elsewhere.
Despite saying this, I do think this show has great potential. A great aspect was the staging; there were props such as paper and books strewn across the stage. This messy setting reflected the turmoil that Aoife faces and created a dishevelled environment representing the one she grew up in. Donovan’s fast-paced dialogue was also impressively handled, and her character work was enjoyable throughout.
What’s the Craic, God? is a good show for anyone looking to find solace in their own catholic small-town trauma. As Aoife discovered who she wants to become, you feel moved to follow your own heart (and maybe gain an appreciation for Susan Boyle who appeared numerous times throughout the show!)
What’s the Craic, God? is running until 31 August at Bothie at Gilded Balloon Patter House.
Buy tickets here.
Image provided by Rebecca Donovan to The Student as press material.
