The workings of the Saville Inquiry provide an extra resonance to An Taibhdhearc's Irish translation of Brian Friel's Freedom of the City. Written in 1973 in the aftermath of Bloody Sunday, it tells the story of three civil rights marchers who find themselves taking refuge from the CS gas in the mayor's office in Derry's Guildhall - the inner sanctum of Unionist power. They treat the plush surroundings with the measured disrespect of the disenfranchised; raiding the drinks cabinet, donning the mayoral regalia and conferring honours all around.
The personal struggles of the three characters are inextricably linked to the broader political and religious struggles of the era. Skinner (Aonghus Weber) and Micheal (Seamus O hAodha) are of a similar age group yet philosophically poles apart, while the middle-aged Lily Doherty (Colette Ni Eanai) provides a touch of domestic realism to the surrounding political chaos. It is a skilled piece of polemic that transforms a historical tragedy into a human story.
Unfortunately, the topic doesn't receive the treatment it deserves in this ponderous production. Though Peadar O Culain's translation is true to the original, it is badly served by some poor pronunciation - an in-built deficit all too predictable in Irish language drama. This was particularly evident in the interplay between the three main characters, and much of the humour and subtle nuances of the script were lost upon the audience.
Yet there was much to enjoy in this ragged yet emotional evening. Aonghus Weber is superb as the playfully exuberant Skinner and is to be particularly commended for being the only member of the cast to attempt a northern accent. Seamus O hAodha and Colette Ni Eanai also had their moments while Micheal O Conaola (the priest) and Bill Leahy (the Brigadier) excelled in their cameo roles. The judge (Paddy Henry) and the sociologist (Joe Mainnin) seemed a little unsure of their lines, though, and the soldiers were far too young to be menacing.
The play ended in a farce, with some ear-splitting organ playing worthy of The Simpsons.
Runs until May 28th. Booking: 091-563600
