Dancing at Luhgnasa – National Theatre

Michael casts his memory back to Bellybag, Ireland in 1936 when living in an isolated cottage with his 4 aunts and mother on the summer his uncle returns from Africa. Michael, (Tom Vaughan-Lawlor) now mid 40s narrates what he remembers from that summer as his uncle slowly dying from malaria drifts in and out of a soft psychosis and the 5 sisters struggling to adapt to the introduction of the industrial revolution. The Mundy sisters, all unmarried and combined supporters of their family home are challenged by their individual unfulfilled dreams. Kate, the breadwinner and teacher is under pressure to keep the sisters afloat, but the school threatens her place on the teaching board. Maggie, a beautiful calming presence keeps everyone happy, but a deep depression overwhelms her at times when she allows her loneliness in. Chris, mother to Michael, brought a child into the world out of wedlock with Gerry Evans who is an inconsistent presence in both their lives. Gerry revels in his freedom, but upon returning brings an unmeasurable amount of happiness to Chris as well as sister Agnes whose unrequited love for him plunges her into depression. The final sister Rose is adrift, suppressed in the family home and struggles to connect with her community. Also involved with a married man, Agnes pities her as if her own child and will protect her until the end.

The set brings to life this quiet family’s lives amid their person conflicts, surrounded by a meadow, grassy lanes and wheat fields. Walking into the theatre feels like a breath of fresh air and an exceptional level of nostalgia if you grew up in a village. Even if you didn’t, the nature isolating them still gives off a very homely feeling only extended by their natural connection. They’re a completely believable family in the way they hold and dance with each other. The first act, the sisters run about their small kitchen in perfect cohesion, slightly dodging, bumping and gliding through each other: every movement between them feels like an essence of dance. We are only with this family for a matter of days, and it is enough time to notice their longings in the quiet moments they share with the audience when alone. Director, Josie Rourke has presented layers upon layers of life mangled between this family and highlighted the secrecy of their private lives. It is a fine balance between being inseparable sisters and an absolute defiance to be individual.

Often in the acting world, even today we don’t see enough stories celebrating middle aged women. Only in recent years have conversations been open to discuss the pressure of growing older and being an actor. It’s really wonderful to see stories presenting middle aged females being happy and safe in their circumstances, even in 1939 as they dance on their tables to Irish folk songs enjoying the company of only each other.

The National has had a long relationship with this play bringing it from Ireland in the 90s for its first run and held it dearly since. It’s a timeless piece for its meditative musings on a quiet life and brings a lot of nostalgic comfort to watch. Extremely emotive and beautiful to feel a part of that world for a few hours.

Playing until 27th May, https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/

Reviewer: Alice Rose

Reviewed: 21st April 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★