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Show: 3 Women
Society: Company of Ten at Abbey Theatre
Venue: Abbey Theatre
Credits: Katy Brand
Type: Sardines
Author: Samantha Cartwright
Performance Date: 24/04/2022
3 Women
Samantha Cartwright | 25 Apr 2022 21:18pm
Photo: Iain Robertson
The Abbey Theatre is a permanent performance space for the Company of Ten, originally formed in 1934. This particular production, 3 Women, is taking place in the studio, an intimate performance area contained within the main Theatre. The studio is such a perfect setting for this type of play, I am able to feel fully immersed in the close, dark surroundings.
It’s the night before Suzanne’s wedding, and to celebrate, she is joined by her daughter and her mother in a hotel suite for the night, the three women couldn’t be more unalike. All at very different stages in life and with unspoken truths the evening is bound to open up conversations and histories that have yet to be discussed. As the sun comes up on the morning of the wedding all three women have faced some life changing realisations.
As I take my seat I’m intrigued as to how this performance will play out, I’ve not seen any other version so it’s going to be totally new to me. The set, designed by Lesley Ivinson, is imaginative whilst being fully functional; the decor resembles a posh hotel suite and the meticulous attention to detail is appreciated. Reading through the programme waiting for the actors I find a glossary of terms used in the play; for example, ‘Sick’ – When something is really good or very impressive, and, ‘Non-Binary’ – An umbrella term for people whose gender doesn’t sit comfortably with man or woman, the list continues. To me this is a really nice touch, we live in an ever-changing world and any form of education on current terms used is a positive.
Throughout the performance my mind wanders to thoughts of the director, Philip Reardon. It’s abundantly clear his direction has not only been very insightful into the relationships between women but he must really understand the complexity of some of the subject matter. Although with a script such as this by Katy Brand and the four talented actors before me, I do believe his job is made somewhat easier. Honestly, I have a feeling this is a dream to direct. All four cast members are believable and relatable. I must give credit to Suzie Major who plays Eleanor the grandmother; she oozes talent, her comic-timing is spot-on and her stage presence is undeniable.
The lighting – Jamie Jenkins, creates the mood perfectly. When conversations are humorous it’s bright and uplifting and when the subject changes to more serious talks so does the lighting, it dims and darkens so I feel I am part of the conversation and nobody else can hear.
It’s a wave of emotions from start to finish, I’m laughing out loud and then close to tears. A touching and thought provoking performance.