Three stories, three perspectives, all ordinary people, all caught in the middle of an extraordinary time - a trio of monologues by novelist Jennifer Johnston - Mustn't Forget High Noon, Christine and Twinkletoes - are currently playing on the Peacock stage at the Abbey Theatre.
Through the three interlinked stories of Billy (Charlie Bonner), Christine (Ali White), and Karen (Aoibhéann McCann), these companion pieces tell the personal tragedies of victims of the conflict in Northern Ireland.
In a new approach, Artistic Director Caitríona McLaughlin has appointed Belfast born designer Maree Kearns as the lead artist on the production, with each monologue directed by one of the Abbey’s new resident directors - Gea Gojak, Claire O’Reilly, and Laura Sheeran.
The trio of directors introduce their contributions to Three Monologues:
Gea Gojak on Mustn’t Forget High Noon
'The work process on the text by Jennifer Johnston was inspiring. I am always excited when the text I am directing offers the possibility of perceiving content that is deep below the surface. All three of Jennifer Johnston`s monologues possess that quality. Through working on the monologue Mustn’t Forget High Noon, the outstanding and incredibly dedicated actor Charlie Bonner and I tried to meet Billy as a person below all those learned values, traditions, and stereotypes that he represents at first glance. I think it is extremely important to understand what tradition means. We inherit tradition as a kind of identity, from father to son, from mother to daughter, from generation to generation. And most often we do not question or analyse it. Good or bad it becomes part of our values. We wanted to acquaint Billy with all his desires, dreams, fears, and pain.
My goal is always to awaken critical awareness in the audience, to encourage them to question their values, to recognise themselves and their environment. Only when we understand something, we can change it. Otherwise, we continue the endless cycle of condemnation and prejudice. It was important for us to explore the patriarchal values on which Billy grew up, and through his love for western movies, relationship with people, and imagination that he possesses, show his potential, which will never be realised because of circumstances in which he grew up. This is the tragic moment that runs through all three monologues. The fact that circumstances and traditional values in which they were brought up, deprived them of the opportunity for free individual development.’
Claire O’Reilly on Christine
Of the three monologues, Christine appeared to Jennifer Johnston first, "speaking with great insistence until her story was down on paper". The nuanced detail with which Johnston conjured her, combined with the glorious Ali White’s endless insight and warmth, and securely held by Maree Kearns, makes for a joyful experience for me.
From a unique vantage point, Christine explores ideas of understanding, existing, belonging and believing. I believe these are fundamental human questions we should never tire of asking ourselves, and I’m grateful to her for reminding me of that.
Laura Sheeran on Twinkletoes
Directing Twinkletoes has been such a rich and nourishing process for me. What a privilege to work with Jennifer Johnston’s beautiful text, and with the gifted shining star that is Aoibhéann McCann as Karen, I feel I have been truly spoiled. Karen led us on an intense journey of discovery over the course of the project. Beyond the sparkle and twinkle of Karen’s first impression we unearth a world of deep emotional complexity riddled with loneliness, grief and trauma. Through her we see the trembling ambitions of her and those around her, dreams that despite every effort, will never be realised due to circumstances beyond their control.
Despite all this, there is an incredible resilience in Karen and all the people she knows. Life goes on and we do what we do to survive. Aoibhéann and I have really fallen in love with Karen and hope that we have succeeded in bringing the full scale of her depth and humanity to the stage.’
Three Monologues: Twinkletoes, Musn’t Forget High Noon, Christine is at the Peacock stage at the Abbey Theatre until 12th March - find out more here.
Pics: Ros Kavanagh
