Wild in the country is a fun filled trip with a dark side
THE members of Enniscorthy Drama Group enjoyed sell-out houses in the Presentation Centre recently for their performance of Paul O’Reilly’s, fantastic ‘Wild in the Country’.
Directed by Fintan Kelly the story was based around a character named ‘Rose’ who mistakenly thinks Elvis Presley is going to perform in the local hall the show had an outwardly humourous facade but there were a number of very serious undercurrents lurking just below the surface.
Rose’s character was effectively a functioning alcoholic whose overall journey into mental breakdown and instability was executed in brilliant fashion by Julie Fox.
At times extremely funny, at other times tragic, her portrayal of Rose touched on many facets of the human condition - especially for those for whom life has lost direction and meaning.
Her long-suffering husband, Wolfie, was performed brilliantly by Pat Murphy.
Perhaps, his obsession with classical music and pigeons was a means of escapism from a world in which he was the victim of domestic abuse that was both verbal and physical.
Fergal Kelly played the role of ‘Fr Billy’ and he was fantastic in his portrayal of a cleric who was uncomfortable in the company of a woman as feisty and forward as Rose.
The interaction between the two was very humourous at times but it also compounded to a degree the somewhat tragic nature of Rose’s character.
Kate Breen played the role of Marie - a local election candidate’s daughter.
It was obvious from the start that her and Wolfie were far more suited to each other yet there was a melancholic air to her character that invoked an image of someone who though yearning for more had accepted her lot in life.
Alan Kinsella, in the role of Johnno was the local target of Rose’s illicit thoughts.
There was great onstage chemistry between the two and it was apparent that Johnno wasn’t exactly adverse to Rose’s advances.
When a radio announcement reveals to listeners that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll has passed away it takes a while for the significance of the message to sink in for Rose.
When she then decides to leave Wolfie and go to visit Elvis’s grave the full weight of the misery Wolfie was under is revealed as he is overjoyed at the idea she has left him.
One of the final scenes depicted Rose at Elvis’ grave and she is approached by a police officer (played by Niall Holohan).
As he confirms to Rose that Elvis has died it was the moment in which everything she lived for to escape from her reality came crashing down.
At that point the full extent of her frailty was laid bare.
A fun-filled ride ‘Wild in the County’, at times, was also a study in the complexities of relationships and mental instability presented by a fantastic cast.