Arcane fire

Rough Magic is one of the most critically lauded and publicly acclaimed theatre companies in Ireland. So much so that sometimes I suspect all they need to do is announce they have a new production ready to be unveiled and people will start lining up for tickets without even knowing that production’s name.

Their next production is the already critically-acclaimed Michael Poution adaptation of Frederich von Schiller's Don Carlos, which gets its Irish premiere at the Project theatre later this month.
The Rough Magic Press release promises that “against a backdrop of corruption and thwarted passion, this high-octane political masterpiece set in 16th century Spain explodes with spectacular 21st century resonance.”
That remains to be seen. However there is no doubt that Rory Keenan, the actor who plays the title role, was exploding with excitement when I talked to him during rehearsals. “It certainly always is exciting for me to do a Rough Magic show!” responds Rory who also took par in Rough Magic’s award-winning production of The Taming Of The Shrew last year. “And I think one of the reasons they are so successful is because of the strength of the ensemble they gather in. And I’m not just talking about performers, I mean including the entire crew. Also, the work Rough Magic do is great to look at, the subject matter is interesting, and even if they are doing classic plays there is a spin on it you mightn’t find anywhere else.”
Indeed, and that gives us a chance to plug at least some of the ensemble involved in Don Carlos, which includes no less than 15 actors, including Kathy Kiera Clarke, Nick Dunning, Peter Daly, Gerard Jordan, Darragh Kelly and is directed by the indomitable Lynn Parker, designed by Paul O’ Mahoney, with costumes by Eimer Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh, lighting by Sinead Wallace and music be Denis Clohessy. Needless to say, such names are too often omitted when praise is given to plays.
“I agree, and in any theatre production the design, say, is as important as the performers or the play itself,” muses Rory. “So I think it is important that everybody on the list gets accredited and is given the same kind of plaudits as some who would be performing. But what’s great about Don Carlos, for me, is despite the fact that I am playing the title character, it’s not necessarily the lead character and there are a number of people who are as important to the drive and energy of the piece as the title character.
"In fact, every character has an important input in terms of the drama. And the play itself is fascinating. It’s certainly an astute thriller. And what Mike Poution has done is, basically, adapted the play because if we were to do Schiller’s original text it would probably take seven hours! I don’t think anyone could sit through seven hours of theatre. But what he’s done is taken thriller essence out of the original and used that as the central drive to the piece. And, to me, it really works on that level.”
Rory Keenan also reminds us that Schiller was “only 21 when he wrote Don Carlos” and that, not surprisingly, it was originally rejected in its seven hour version.
“But you’re right, I am absolutely excited about doing this adaptation, because quite apart from working with Rough Magic and the ensemble, it is such a great piece of theatre.
“Also, we are performing this in the round which suits the play very well and will, we hope, communicate that kind of ‘Big Brother is watching at all times’ aspect that is so important to the play.”