one4review | On 16, Aug 2018

This play by Eva O’Connor is a joyful and tearful experience as we follow Maz on a mission to join a pro abortion march in Dublin following the tragic death of a young pregnant woman. On her way to join her fellow protestors she encounters Bricks, an apparently go lucky chap. At first he is dismissive of her stance given he has a child, but as they spend the day to together he is convinced of the merits of her arguments when hearing her tragic history. Maz,in turn realizes that Bricks is suffering as well as he opens up about the loss of his brother. The lyrical script allows Brick’s witty repartee to sparkle in contrast to the more tortured Maz. Their day together is hardly a romantic dream but the conclusion, which is unexpected, is uplifting.
The play was originally toured during the Repeal the Eighth campaign when its relevance was at its height but it is still important to illustrate the pain felt by Irish women forced to go to the UK for an abortion. Eva O’Connor (the writer) and Ciaran O’Brien are sympathetic and believable in the parts of Maz and Bricks and despite the seriousness of the subjects covered there is much laughter. Ciaran O’Brien is a natural comedian and had the audience hanging onto his every word. This was an exceedingly enjoyable piece of theatre and one I recommend people to go and see.
Reviewed by Rona
Summerhall – Cairns Lecture Theatre
5.55pm
Until 26th August (not 20th)