Chris O'Dowd, a renowned actor and comedian, is set to star in Conor McPherson's latest play, 'The Brightening Air', at the Gate Theatre in Dublin. This marks a significant return to his roots, as O'Dowd has not performed in a play in Dublin for 22 years. The play, directed by McPherson himself, is set in a rural homestead in Ireland in the 1980s and explores themes of longing, magic, and the fates that tear us apart. It follows the story of adult siblings, Billie and Stephen, and their complex relationships with their uncle, an ex-communicated priest, and their brother, Dermot, played by O'Dowd.
In an interview, O'Dowd expressed his excitement about bringing the play to an Irish audience, stating, 'It's much more craic, because you have that initial beautiful moment with an audience every day of the week where you come in and show this whole story that somebody else has created for you and that is wonderful.' He also described his character, Dermot, as a 'complete blackguard', adding, 'doing that in front of people and hearing the oohs and aahs of like, oh, what a moron, or what a delight, and then falling apart, you get to see it in real time, and that adds to what you're doing!' O'Dowd's enthusiasm for the production is evident, as he is a long-time fan of McPherson's work, having grown up with his early plays during his time at UCD.
Derbhle Crotty, who plays Elizabeth, highlighted the joy of being part of a large cast, noting the play's fast-paced, funny, and touching nature. McPherson, a celebrated playwright, has garnered international acclaim with his works, including 'The Weir' and 'Girl from the North Country'. He has received numerous awards and nominations, including the Laurence Olivier Award, New York Critics' Circle Award, and five Tony Award nominations. Returning to the Gate Theatre, where he first had his plays on as professional productions, holds a special significance for him, as he loves working in Dublin and getting in the room with actors to explore their ideas.
'The Brightening Air' is set in the northwest of Ireland in 1981, a time when McPherson was around 10 years old and spent his holidays in County Leitrim. He recalls the oral tradition of folklore and magic still being alive, which influenced his decision to set the play in that era. The play's exploration of supernatural elements and the complexities of human relationships adds to its allure, making it a must-see for theater enthusiasts in Dublin. The show runs at the Gate Theatre until August 30th, offering a unique and captivating theatrical experience.
