In
this day and age of political correctness and the uproar surrounding
the Catholic Church and alleged child abuse I suppose it is not
surprising that we have a play on the Fringe round this topic.
Priests are dying in very nasty ways or are
just plainly disappearing. "Peter knows why and wants to tell
all". Is he a madman or does he really know something? This is
a very dark almost dismal production with pockets of humour, some of
which seem almost forbidden or wrong. The basic room we are looking
at could be in any institution or even a prison it is so bare and
stern. The single occupant of the room awakens from sleep slowly
gets dressed then describes the deaths of several Priests in graphic
and physical details. With one final revelation that is as startling
as it is unexpected.
I
know Owen O'Neill is a comedian but I have only seen his stand-up
once. He is also a multi award-winning writer and actor he has both
written and performs 'Absolution' which displays all his talents to
their utmost. Cleverly directed by Rachel O'Riordan, whom I expect
had her work cut out, having to direct Owen from whose imagination
the whole thing came. It is also part of this years TTI & Guy
Masterson Productions.
Praise
where praise is due I would never have thought of this material as
producing a fascinating, thought provoking yet funny show but it
has. Owen puts 200% into the performance and must be exhausted after
every show. I certainly recommend it as one to see along with ‘Reasonable
Doubt’, ‘Weights’ and ‘Vincent’.
I have also heard great things about ‘Scaramouche
Jones’.
*****
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