Drama Circle’s “Stephen D”

It is paradoxical that in Ireland where religion plays such a major part in our lives, one of the few, if not the only great religious novel, should deal with the rejection of faith. James Joyce’s “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man” is a description of a religious experience and as such can be compared with some of the writings of Mauriac or Beronos. The “Portrait” is autobiographical and it is interesting to speculate about what would have been Joyce’s reaction to the religious atmosphere of Ireland of the seventies. It is also interesting to compare the “Portrait” with the autobiography of another great writer who has a somewhat similar background and upbringing, Seán Ó Faoileán’s “Vive Moi”.

“Stephen D” was adapted by Hugh Leonard from the “Portrait” and from an earlier autobiographical novel “Stephen Hero”. It was first presented in the Gate Theatre, Dublin in 1962 and was a great success. The play follows the novels closely and describes in an episodic form the hero’s life from childhood, through school and university to his final rejection of his faith, his country and his family and his going into a lonely and bitter exile.

Sligo Drama Circle’s production of “Stephen D” played in a starkly beautiful set by K. Cordall Grier, catches the turn of the century atmosphere and the religious and political conflicts of the characters excellently. The costumes are authentic and the complicated lighting plot is handled expertly by Jerry Taheny. Lionel Gallagher’s direction is crisp and efficient. He handles his cast of almost thirty players with firmness and this discipline is rewarded by the smoothness and lack of fuss with which the various scenes follow one another.

Liam Mc Kinney’s narrator-hero is a tour-de-force. He is onstage for the entire play and is in control of the character right through. His Stephen is in turn arrogant and vulnerable, cynical and sentimental. If one might find fault with his performance, it is that his narration is a shade too cynical. A little more irony and objectivity in his narration would help him establish better rapport with the audience and throw into relief the various moods and attitudes of the character.

Maureen Barry, as Mrs. Daedalus, after a somewhat nervous first-night start, played the character with great sympathy and understanding, while it was a pleasure to welcome Joe Burns back to the stage as Mr. Daedalus. One of the great set-pieces of the novel and the play is the sermon on Hell. Robert Burnside was exactly right for the part of the Preacher and he delivered the sermon with great sincerity. However, one would have liked a little more fire and brimstone from him.

It would be tedious to go through the long cast list praising each performance. All the minor characters were excellently cast and played with assurance and conviction. One must, however, mention two delightful vignettes – Nicholas Gallagher As Johnny Cashman and Mick Geelan as the Confessor. “Stephen D” continues in the Town Hall tonight and tomorrow night (Thursday and Friday) and on Tuesdays and Thursdays fore the next two weeks. Don’t miss it.

from The Sligo Champion, August 23rd, 1974 (Specially Contributed)