In the world of Irish theatre, few figures are as enigmatic and influential as Dion Boucicault. Once hailed as a genius, his reputation has since faded, leaving him in the shadows of more modern, realistic playwrights. Yet, in a bold move, Druid Theatre Company is bringing Boucicault's masterpiece, The Shaughraun, back to the stage, and it's a decision that demands our attention and critical eye. This is not merely a revival of a Victorian melodrama; it's an exploration of Boucicault's enduring impact on Irish theatre, and perhaps, a reevaluation of his place in the canon. So, what makes this production so intriguing, and why should we care about Boucicault's work today?
A Melodrama's Legacy
Boucicault's plays were once the rage, packing venues in New York and making him one of the richest men in theatre. But as tastes shifted towards realism, his elaborate plots and larger-than-life characters seemed outdated. The decline of his reputation is a fascinating case study in the evolution of theatre and the changing tastes of audiences. Yet, as Garry Hynes, Druid's artistic director, points out, Boucicault's influence is deeply embedded in the fabric of modern Irish theatre. By staging The Shaughraun alongside Eugene O'Neill's Moon for the Misbegotten, Druid is not just reviving a forgotten work; it's inviting us to reconsider Boucicault's legacy and the extent to which his work continues to shape the plays that followed.
The Challenge of Melodrama
The central problem, Hynes argues, is that The Shaughraun cannot be treated as modern psychological realism. Melodrama, with its codified rules and rhythms, is a form that demands respect. Ignoring these rules risks the play falling apart. This is a delicate balancing act, and Hynes, with her experience, is well-equipped to navigate it. Her first encounter with the play in 1982, and now, with the perspective of a seasoned director, offers a unique insight into Boucicault's work.
A Visual Dialogue
The production's visual language is a key element in this revival. By pairing the play with Moon for the Misbegotten, Hynes creates a dialogue between two works that, despite their differences, are part of the same conversation. The use of a 19th-century Ordnance Survey map of Ireland as a central set piece is a powerful image, linking Boucicault's west of Ireland with O'Neill's United States. This visual connection is not just a clever design choice; it's a subtle reminder of the shared history and experiences of the Irish diaspora.
The Politics of Boucicault
One of the most intriguing aspects of Boucicault's work is his political subtext. As Aaron Monaghan, who plays Conn, the Shaughraun, points out, Boucicault's heroes are often the ordinary people, the peasants, who outwit the establishment. This is a far cry from the stereotypical Irishman, and it's a refreshing take on the genre. Monaghan's reassessment of Boucicault as a genius is a compelling argument, and it's one that should challenge our preconceptions of the playwright.
The Power of Performance
The production also highlights the power of performance and the actor's instinct. Boucicault, like Shakespeare, understood the rhythms of an audience and the art of delivering lines. This is a text written for the stage, and it demands a certain level of commitment and authenticity from the actors. Rory Nolan, who plays the villain Corry Kinchela, believes that by searching for the character's humanity, you can make the villain more unsettling. This is a subtle but powerful approach to the material, and it's a testament to the actors' skill and dedication.
A Reevaluation of Boucicault
In conclusion, Druid's decision to stage The Shaughraun is a bold and intriguing move. It invites us to reconsider Boucicault's legacy and the extent to which his work continues to shape Irish theatre. By pairing the play with Moon for the Misbegotten and using a powerful visual language, Druid is not just reviving a forgotten work; it's creating a dialogue between two plays that are part of the same conversation. This is a reevaluation of Boucicault that demands our attention and critical eye, and it's a reminder of the enduring power of theatre to challenge, inspire, and provoke thought.
