Photo: Munster Images
TELLING us that Limerick Youth Theatre was going to stage ‘The Trial’ in “an unconventional way” was the most beautiful understatement from director Ann Blake. This Berkoff adaptation of Franz Kafka’s novel ‘The Trail of Josef K’ opened at No. 69 O’Connell Street with a fast-moving cast of 13 led by Liam Hillen as the beleaguered Josef K.
Commanding he is, all the while bedevilled by those who are clawing and traitorous as much as by a power-drunk judiciary. That’s hard when confusion is Josef’s primary state and Hillen’s interpretation is not the only right thing about this “unconventional” production.
Inspired by the Old Bailey, Darren Maher on set design and sound has scaffolded one end of a long run of this rectangular set. We the audience are pinned around, jury-like, and the spare climb of the frame works variously for judge’s bench, neighbourly snooping, nest to a murder of lawyers. Other victims or those complicit with the State Machine emerge in a run of challenges.
Photo: Munster Images
Music and soundscape emanate from one multi-tasking LYT player; there’s a chorus of grunts by actors to convey burdensome duty.
Light, props, costume are a communal effort led by Wildebeeste’s Marie Boylan whose site-specific work, well, it’s arresting wherever. The versatility is entertaining but always, always the drive-down by power over the individual is principal in this play that is finely written.
Until Saturday August 22, 8pm and purchase in advance at 69 O’Connell Street or online at venue manager www.limetreetheatre.ie
by Rose Rushe
