The invitation from Sligo's Dha Ean theatre company was vaguely minatory. Bring a cushion wrapped in plastic, it said; wear thermals and non-slip shoes. Around 4 p.m. last Sunday it all became clear, in a primitive setting beyond Lissadell with low, tiered cliffs sloping down to a stone platform beyond which Atlantic breakers threw up spume. This was the setting for a production of Jocasta, a new take on the Oedipus story by Leland Bardwell.
This Jocasta knows, when marrying him, that Oedipus is her son and has killed her cruel husband, Laius. Her men are weak (either tyrannical or indecisive), and it is left to her to make decisions, even those that will destroy herself and her family. For an hour or so, a drama rooted in legend and the beginnings of theatre was played out to a bitter end, in an ambience that matched its primitive force.
The actors - Sorcha Carroll (Jocasta), Myles Horgan (Laius), Kieran McBride (Oedipus) and Fionnuala Gallagher (Chorus) - were totally convincing in their roles, never wavering even when a prolonged winter shower lashed over them. Against the roar of the sea, their every word was completely audible. Director Fiona Peek created eye-filling scenes and movements, using the spectacular background to great effect.
So strong was the production that it may, indeed, have muffled infelicities in the script, written in a modern vernacular that was occasionally a poor fit for the royal characters entrusted with the dialogue. I really cannot think of Oedipus as "this guy". Jocasta talks, almost formally, through a brutal rape inflicted on her by Laius - a distraction. Sophocles appears in an epilogue to discuss with Jocasta the relative perspectives of men and women - not persuasive.
When the production goes indoors, it may be that the team, deprived of nature's allegiance, will have to earn their laurels all over again in the new environment. For now, however, they have provided an experience of pure theatre that will linger in the mind.
Jocasta runs at the Belltable Arts Centre as part of Limerick's "Unfringed 2001" theatre festival from Thursday to Saturday at 8 p.m. To book, phone 061-319709.
