✭✭✭✭✩

by Marina Carr, directed by Jeannette Lambermont

DDT Inc., Toronto Fringe Festival, St. Vladimir’s Theatre, Toronto

July 3-13, 2003

Marina Carr's powerful 1998 retelling of Medea relocates the action to rural Ireland.  Hester Swane (Ellen-Ray Hennessy) has had a child by Carthage Kilbride (John O'Callaghan) and rages against the injustice of being forced off his land because of his forthcoming marriage to a local landowner's daughter.  Abundant bitter humour finally gives way to disturbing violence.  The excellent cast gives strong performances anchored by Hennessy, who captures the all the contradictions and raw emotion of this damaged, self-destructive human being.  The play should breathe more than the 90-minute time limit allows.  Still this is terrific theatre.  Reserve your tickets now.

Christopher Hoile

Note: A version of this review appeared in Eye Weekly 2003-07-10.

Photo: Toronto Fringe Festival logo.