For Dolores Review: Obsessive Friendship and Desire on Stage 2026

In the intense new play For Dolores by Eva O'Connor, an obsessive friendship takes center stage, exploring dependency and desire with raw emotion. This Fishamble Theatre Company production, directed by Jim Culleton, delves into the complicated bond between two young women, Mo and Réaltín, whose relationship spirals into chaos. The keyword obsessive friendship is central to understanding the play's gripping narrative and emotional depth.

The Story of Mo and Réaltín

Mo (Catriona Faint) and Réaltín (Lara McDonnell) meet as university students in Edinburgh, where their contrasting personalities—Mo's spiky, politicized Glaswegian nature versus Réaltín's naive, middle-class Dublin charm—forge an immediate connection. Their friendship is described as a "wild magnet pull," capturing the confusing mix of love, admiration, and desire that defines their bond. As the play unfolds, the audience witnesses their journey from comedic first meetings to a catastrophic fallout.

Performance Highlights

Faint and McDonnell deliver committed, passionate performances, bringing depth to their characters' emotional turmoil. The cast's chemistry is palpable, making the audience feel the tension and affection between them. Director Jim Culleton sensitively highlights the distinction between loving and being "in love," a theme that resonates throughout the play.

Key Themes in For Dolores

• Obsessive friendship and its psychological impact
• Dependency and desire in young women's relationships
• The fine line between love and obsession
• Jealousy and betrayal leading to violent climax

Technical Brilliance

The set design by Alyson Cummins features a simple raised platform resting on discarded bottles, books, and junk, symbolizing the detritus swept under the carpet. Denis Clohessy's sound design underscores the tension, especially during the climactic party scene where sex, alcohol, and jealousy collide. The play's structure alternates between monologues, dance moves, and humorous dialogue, keeping the audience engaged.

Critical Reception

Critics have praised For Dolores for its vivid portrayal of compulsion and its ability to make viewers confront uncomfortable truths about relationships. The play's violent climax is all the more powerful for being implied rather than directly shown, leaving a lasting impression.

FAQ