The question of a production’s “relevance” is usually at the forefront of theatrical discussion, particularly when it comes to the National Theatre. The relevance of Silent is undeniable, giving voice to the hundreds of faceless sleeping bags we pass on the street every day. Written and performed by Pat Kinevane, this one-man show is a powerful piece of theatre, embracing the less shiny parts of our society that we would sometimes rather not see or acknowledge.
Directed by Jim Culleton of Fishamble, this production has been touring both nationally and internationally since 2011, currently making a return to the Peacock Theatre. The piece follows the life-path of Tino McGoldrig, a homeless man engulfed by depression and alcoholism. The play bounces effortlessly between humor and anguish but ultimately forces us to look deep within ourselves as members of society, questioning the prejudices regarding mental health, suicide and homelessness in this country. At one stage, Kinevane asks the audience directly if anybody is currently or has ever taken anti-depressants? There is a squirming discomfort as patrons sink further into their chairs, rather than admit such things to a room full of strangers.
Pat Kinevane’s performance is majestic and effortless, incapable of being justified by words alone. It is the experience of being present with a single body in space that infiltrates the soul of the audience member. Skilfully fusing poignancy with moments of heightened drama, such as expressive and seductive movement pieces or caricatures of the monsters of his past- Tino reconstructs significant events of his life: the suicide of his brother who was branded “a faggot,” his marriage, the birth of his son and his spiral into depression. It is the reliving of such moments and the embodiment of characters from his past that further remind us of the isolation and loneliness surrounding homelessness.
While such moments are harrowing, the production never depends on these to emotionally manipulate its audience and Kinevane’s comedic capabilities are equally significant throughout the performance to deliver an important message. Denis Clohessy’s clever sound composition conjures distinct images of space and time, flitting between memories of the past but always plummeting us back to the present through the piercing sound of coins hitting the bottom of the jar. It is nothing less than a privilege to spend an evening with Pat Kinevane in the national theatre, watching such an important issue being dealt with the utmost delicacy. Informing us that the main cause of homelessness in Ireland is mental health issues, Silent plants in us a seed of social awareness. Tino McGoldrig is a man who once had “splendid things,” who might have even gone to the theatre to watch a play. In the programme, Kinevane states, “It could be you whose own mind torments itself. It could be you who was born into neglect and cruelty. It could be us… at the toss of a coin.”
Running in the Peacock Theatre from 6th of November- 7th of December
Reviewed: 9th of November 2013, for TN2 Magazine.
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