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The Daughters of Róisín – Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024 (UK)
Written and performed by Aoibh Johnson, Directed by Cahal Clarke. Presented by Wee Yarn Productions
Aoibh Johnson explores the harrowing consequences of giving birth out of wedlock in Ireland
Reviewed by Amber Spooner
Wee Yarn Productions
Season: Aug 8-11, 14-25 Bunker One, Pleasance.
5 STARS
A lone woman begins with the recital of ‘For What Died the Sons of Róisín ’ – a song by Dubliner Luke Kelly. The poem asks the reader to consider the sacrifices made by Irish people throughout their history and to decide who they owe their allegiance to: The hero’s or those who betrayed them for personal gain?
Aoibh Johnson, the play’s sole performer and writer ends this poem by asking “what about the daughters of Róisín?” befpre proceeding to take us on a deeply emotional journey. Johnson explores the women who were hidden away from society due to becoming pregnant out of wedlock; "A sickness", as described by Johnson.
gives a voice to the voiceless all while creating a deeply moving a engaging production that is not to be missed
The figure she inhabits is confined to one room alone, highlighting that these women where considered shameful and a blight on Irish society. Johnson does a fantastic job of blending the tragedy of this situation with moments of light heartedness and humour. The darker moments are deeply moving and emotional as Johnson expertly intertwines poetry and fragmented dialogue examining the struggles of these women as well as their perception of themselves. Considering their pregnancy to be ‘a sickness’ and living in shame.
There are moments of light heartedness and audience interaction, which keep the play engaging. Johnson does a really effective job of making the audience feel as though they are with her on this journey rather than passive observers. We are included in the world these girls existed and saw the expectations placed upon them.
The production harnesses lots of interaction with the audience including call and response moments as well as direct questions. Fringe audiences are accustomed to participating in shows, often being the highlight of their experiences but there was something very collaborative about Johnson’s approach. She treats the audience with a kind of gentleness that were clearly not afforded to the women whose stories were being told.
It feels that works like these will rewrite the history books
Plays like these that are often require the audience member to already understand the historical context and as someone who is not UK born you can often end up feeling a bit lost. Daughter’s of Róisín have therefore done an incredible job of providing context where it is needed without making it into a history lesson.
The play focuses more on universal concepts such as shame, fear and family dynamics. It feels that works like these will rewrite the history books as Johnson is giving a voice to those who have previously been silenced.
In her post show speech Johnson explains that this play is inspired by the experiences of her Great Grandmother who was hidden away during her pregnancy and had her child taken away never to be found again. For Johnson, this is a deeply personal story and it’s reflected in how much care and understanding has gone into Daughters of Róisín. It would be remiss of me not to mention this is a work that is laced with rage and bitterness. She reminds everyone that while theatre is a form of entertainment, that’s not all it is, nor indeed should be.
Theatre is a form of activism and a vehicle for change. Wee Yarn Productions have done an incredible job of creating a show that gives a voice to the voiceless all while creating a deeply moving a engaging production that is not to be missed at this year’s Fringe.
Theatre (drama) - Venue 33
Pleasance Courtyard - Bunker One
13:00
Aug 9-11, 14-25
Suitability: 14+ (Guideline)
Country: United Kingdom - Northern Ireland
Group: Wee Yarn Productions, Lyric Belfast and Pleasance
Warnings and additional info: This show contains audience participation & distressing or potentially triggering themes.
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