The Shaughraun review highlights Dion Boucicault’s comic melodrama from 1874, which holds a place in theatre history for its playful upending of national stereotypes and expectations. Garry Hynes’s inventive production for Druid theatre company celebrates Boucicault’s gifts as a playwright and master of stage spectacle, whose creations dazzled 19th-century audiences in New York and London.
Miniaturist Approach and Set Design
This staging takes a miniaturist approach, with Sligo landscapes, cliff tops and gothic towers depicted as picture-book illustrations glimpsed from a distance. Ladders and furniture descend and glide, with assistance from the nimble cast of 10, most dextrously by Conn “the Shaughraun” (Aaron Monaghan), poacher and trickster. Here, Conn also acts as master of ceremonies cum stage manager, as if standing in for Boucicault himself.
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Colonial Context and Brian Friel’s Influence
The convoluted tale of land grabbing, kidnaps and English red coats in pursuit of escaped Fenians unfolds against Francis O’Connor’s set design of pages of an Ordnance Survey map of the west of Ireland. Setting the antics of the play in their colonial context, this also hints at Boucicault’s influence on Brian Friel’s Translations. And as in Friel’s play, comic misunderstandings complicate the romance between the wide-eyed English captain Molineux (Fintan Kinsella) and a savvy young local woman, Claire Ffolliott (Megan Cusack).
Character Dynamics and Performance
When Claire’s brother, Robert Ffolliott (Marty Rea), secretly returns from Australia having been deported by the devious magistrate, Kinchela (Rory Nolan), Molineux is increasingly befuddled by this “extraordinary” country. Kinchela, played with puffed-up villainy by Nolan, closes in on his prize of Ffolliott’s estate – and fiancee (Eileen Walsh) – as Conor Linehan’s live piano score propels it all with Victorian music-hall flourish. Always strategising, the wily Conn affects gormlessness while plotting to spring Robert from jail. Perfectly cast, Monaghan is roguishly charming without being twee, his performance electric.
Comparison of Key Characters
| Character | Actor | Role | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conn the Shaughraun | Aaron Monaghan | Poacher and trickster | Roguish charm |
| Captain Molineux | Fintan Kinsella | English officer | Befuddled innocence |
| Claire Ffolliott | Megan Cusack | Local woman | Sawwy and strategic |
| Kinchela | Rory Nolan | Magistrate | Puffed-up villainy |
Key Takeaways from The Shaughraun
- Comic melodrama that subverts national stereotypes with wit and sincerity.
- Garry Hynes’s production uses a miniaturist set with picture-book illustrations.
- Aaron Monaghan delivers a standout performance as the roguish Conn.
- Colonial themes and influence on Brian Friel add depth to the narrative.
- Live piano score by Conor Linehan enhances the Victorian music-hall atmosphere.
FAQ
What is The Shaughraun about?
The Shaughraun is a comic melodrama by Dion Boucicault, set in 19th-century Ireland, involving land grabbing, kidnaps, and a roguish trickster named Conn who outwits English authorities.
Who directs this Druid production?
The production is directed by Garry Hynes, known for her inventive and miniaturist approach to staging, celebrating Boucicault’s theatrical legacy.
How does the play connect to Brian Friel?
The set design, featuring Ordnance Survey maps of Ireland, hints at Boucicault’s influence on Brian Friel’s Translations, with comic misunderstandings reflecting colonial tensions.
Overall, The Shaughraun review underscores a delightful blend of comedy and social commentary, making it a must-see for theatre enthusiasts. The Druid company’s production brings Boucicault’s work to life with charm and intelligence, ensuring audiences leave entertained and thoughtful.
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