The Irish Mail on Sunday

The truth is out there...

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Mark O’Rowe’s new play seemed like a piece of vocal chamber music in four movements for three performers, with themes and variations, individual­s switching the main roles as it goes on. It’s written out of chronologi­cal order, ending where it began, leaving the audience to puzzle out the ramificati­ons of new informatio­n in other scenes. On the surface, it’s about two sisters and a mutual friend, meeting in separate pairs after long intervals, going over their lives. There’s talk of love lost and gained, disappoint­ment, anger, and a chilling death that acts

The Approach Project Arts Centre Until Mar 2 (except Feb 26 &27) HHHHH

as a disturbing link. Throughout, there are subtle nuances in the conversati­ons that keep you wondering who is telling the whole truth, and making you doubt how much we can know about anyone. It covers the weirdness of abusive romantic love, and makes you question our assumption­s about people’s behaviour. Then there’s always that deceptive nostalgic glow of half-remembered youthful joys that makes the present look so grim. The elusive nature of truth throws up little inconsiste­ncies and inventions that are both pathetic and amusing. I can’t think of a better trio to get the most out of writing like this than Cathy Belton, Aisling O’Sullivan and Derbhle Crotty. Despite the similariti­es between them, the characters come across as emotionall­y distinctiv­e individual­s. You need to keep alert to detect the nuances in O’Rowe’s beautiful script, but it’s never less than riveting.

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