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Stuck
2 Apr 2003 - Dublin Daily Interactive:
"Stuck in the City"
Stuck in the City
Stuck
Focus Theatre
April 2 - 26th
Wednesday, April 2nd 2003
'The Focus is the smallest theatre in Dublin and therefore it's perfect for this kind of intimate show'
What's the story?
A perpetually out of work actor who feels he's stuck in a dead-end life takes the audience through a host of different characters. We're introduced to everything from fly drug-dealers to two lesbians in a laundromat. Equally dark and funny in parts, the show was originally inspired by the beat poets of New York, although it's set in Toronto.
Who's in it?
Just acclaimed actor Sean Power. Yes, it's a one-man show but don't let that put you off. He's previously played the role in Toronto, New York and during the Dublin Fringe Festival in 2001, where he was nominated for a best actor award. The play was also a sell-out success that time around so it's definitely got a good background. He plays our hero Jack, who's described as a "queer out-of-work actor looking for weed, love and inspiration".
What about the venue?
The Focus is the smallest theatre in Dublin and therefore is perfect for this kind of intimate show. The small size means that you really get a feel for the character and are completely drawn in to the world on stage. It's a bit of a Dublin landmark having previously been run by legendary actress Deirdre O'Connell and in the past big names such as Gabriel Byrne have played there. The show is worth a visit just to check out the venue alone.
What do people say about it?
Only good things. Showbiz bible Variety said it's "a piece of theatre that grabs you by the throat and does not let go until the end". The Toronto Star described it as "a raw purgative stream of poetry inspired by beat and rap, seamlessly incorporating passages of hallucination and dream into the already surreal narrative". Meanwhile, the highly influential Village Voice said of Sean's performance: "Sean Power as Jack never shoots prematurely - he rivets, matching the disillusioned blasts of bop prosody with leaping exhilaration and singsong vocal dexterity."
How do I get there?
The Focus Theatre is located just off Pembroke Street, Dublin 2. Tickets are €14 and you can call 01 676 3071 to book. Be warned though, because the theatre is so small, it sells out quickly. Book early to avoid missing what has been described as "a powerful hour of performance."
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