Off Plan and Victor & Gord at the Project Arts Theatre

If it’s variety you’re after, then The Project Arts Theatre has it in abundance at the moment.

In the Space Upstairs, there’s an odd interpretation of Aeschylus’ trilogy of classical Greek tragedies, known collectively as Oresteia. Simon Doyle has attempted to apply the Grecian play’s themes to today’s Ireland and the fall of the Celtic Tiger in his play Off Plan. The Theatre Group Raw do like to experiment with all forms of media, so we are witness to straight theatre, along with a large monitor showing pre-recorded footage as well as live feed and a bizarre audio assault on the senses.

This is not for everyone and it certainly wasn’t for me. The script had some fine moments, but lines were delivered with such heavy handed hamminess (from Emma McIvor in particular). Then there was Cassandra’s techno-rant which, far from being innovative and modern, came across as childish and pretentious. At first, I was appalled at how bad the whole thing seemed, but then I started to find it humourous - like watching the awkward situation comedy of the Office or Curb Your Enthusiasm - but then I rapidly went back to being appalled again. Getting none-too-subtle digs in at poor governance, the bankers, greedy property developers and even at reality TV (I suspect Simon Doyle is no fan of Big Brother), Off Plan wants to say so much, but ends up falling short of saying anything meaningful at all.

So, am I saying avoid it? No, not really. For all its flaws, it is an experience. I’ve never seen anything like it on stage before and as an item of curio, it does stand out. Just go in with an extremely open mind.

By contrast, Victor and Gord is wonderful, a true treat. Written and directed by Una McKevitt, sister of Áine (who is Gord of the title), the play features non-professional actors and is a glance at the effects the passage of time can have on life long friendships. It began as a short piece for the Project early last year, expanded for Queer Notions in June, before getting a proper outing at the Fringe last year. Returning to the Project, reworked, and revamped, with Victor, Gord and Jay revisiting the everyday experiences that cemented their friendship and consider where it all went wrong, I would plead with you to go see this. You will laugh, you may cry, but you’ll definitely enjoy it.

Both Victor and Gord and Off Plan run until 27th February and for more information and tickets, go to The Project’s website. Victor and Gord also have an interesting blog you should have a look at.