Chris O'Dowd is set to star in Conor McPherson's latest play, The Brightening Air, which is set to premiere at the Gate Theatre in Dublin. This marks a significant return to his roots for O'Dowd, who has been part of the Irish acting scene for many years. The play, directed by McPherson himself, is set in a rural homestead in Ireland during the 1980s and explores themes of family, magic, and the supernatural. It's a departure from McPherson's previous works, which have been internationally acclaimed and have garnered him numerous awards and nominations.
The story revolves around adult siblings Billie and Stephen, who share their family home in a semi-functional manner. Their lives are turned upside down when their excommunicated uncle, Fr. Pierre, and their estranged brother, Dermot, arrive. Dermot, played by Chris O'Dowd, is a 'complete blackguard' who adds to the chaos and tension in the story. O'Dowd, who has been part of the cast at the first run of the show in London, is excited to bring the play to an Irish audience.
Derbhle Crotty, who plays Elizabeth, describes the show as fast-paced, funny, and touching. The play is set in the northwest of Ireland in the 1980s, a time when stories about folklore and magic were still very much in the air. McPherson, who is a Dubliner, decided to set the play in this time and place to capture the oral tradition of storytelling that was still alive during that period.
McPherson, who has had international acclaim with his writing, including The Weir and Girl from the North Country, said that returning home to the Gate Theatre in Dublin marks a special moment for him. He loves getting in the room with actors and allowing a certain amount of freedom into the room, which he finds inspiring. O'Dowd, who hasn't done a play in Dublin in 22 years, is thrilled to be part of this production and to bring it home to Ireland.
The play runs at the Gate Theatre until 30 August, and it's a must-see for anyone interested in Irish theatre and the work of Conor McPherson. The Brightening Air is a haunting and captivating story that explores the complexities of family, the supernatural, and the human condition. It's a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic that can be found in the most unexpected places.
