REVIEW: The Lieutenant Of Inishmore
Image: Photo: Bob Seary
Who would ever have imagined that a black comedy which centers on a dead cat, containing over-the-top violence and gruesome gore, could provide such hilarity and a deliciously wicked night out at the theater?
Acclaimed British/Irish playwright Martin McDonagh has written this remarkable award-winning play which hilariously parodies IRA warfare and the activities of the alleged “freedom fighters.”
Set in Ireland in 1993 the play follows the events which unfold when the beloved cat of a young militant member of a splinter ITA group is killed. From the opening scene audiences will be immersed by the absurdly hysterical scenarios and misadventures which transpire from the obsessive grief over a deceased cat.
A fresh cast of talented actors bring eight wacky characters to life and audiences should quickly be entranced and laugh-out-loud throughout by the silliness of this controversial play.
Blood-drenched violence escalates in the second act with shootings and body dismemberment as rarely seen on stage, but conventional audiences shouldn’t be too disturbed as the horror is overshadowed and downgraded by the rampant comedy.
Solemn cat-lovers may initially be overcome or even shocked by the extremely violent nature and references towards a feline, but these feelings willl subside as laughter continues to snowball.
Audiences should approach this stage play with an open mind and a touch of impartiality. Amongst the mayhem and the ‘in-your-face bloodfest’ emerge universal themes which include the fight for freedom, the senselessness of warfare and fanatical terrorism – all themes which are still very relevant in today’s society. (MMo)
Until May 26. New Theatre, 542 King St Newtown. $20-$35+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.newtheatre.org.au
