In Two Minds – Traverse Theatre

Joanne Ryan’s delicately observed portrayal of a mother-daughter relationship complicated by mental illness is beautifully brought to life by Pom Boyd (The Dry), as Mother and Karen McCartney (A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings) as Daughter. In Two Minds finds insight in the darkness, humour in the pain, and tenderness in difficult family dynamics. But don’t expect dramatic revelations or grand gestures, its simply not that kind of play.

Sarah Jane Scaife’s unhurried production for Dublin’s Fishamble is light and practical and dwells on the ordinary rather than the extraordinary, a semi-autobiographical scenario, of Ryan’s relationship with her own mother.

Set during the extension of her house, Mother has to share a small studio flat with her grown up Daughter for however long it takes for the builders to finish. It is an inconvenience to both who have their own routines and priorities, and tolerances are sorely tested, although their love for each other shines through. When Mother gradually begins to slide into another ‘episode’ of mental illness brought on by bipolar disorder, from endless stream of consciousness rambles to days of bed-dwelling depression, it tests the relationship to the limit. But together, they survive with the mother-daughter relationship reversed.

A play that has no big parable or revelations and certainly no simple answers, it shines a spotlight to focus on the tough subject of filial mental decline with sensitivity and insight.

Reviewer: Greg Holstead

Reviewed: 11^th August 2024

North West End UK Rating:

Running time – 1hrs 20 mins