Spliced.
I brought a lot of baggage to the table watching Spliced. I am also from Cork. I am also of GAA stock. I have brothers that play it. I have a father that coached it. I have had my fill of it as a breakfast/lunch/dinner table conversation. It is currently being watched as I type. I also want to talk about the GAA. I also want to talk about masculinity. I also want to talk about community vs individuality. That is a lot of “I”. (Is this the way to write a response to someone else’s show?) There is a lot of “I” in Spliced. (Is this the way to explore an enormous traditional body that both creates and divides communities, that is deeply flawed and yet resonates with the majority of the country in a way that can’t be described in any simple way?) There is no denying Timmy Creed’s talent and charisma as a performer, or his skill as a hurler. It is deeply satisfying to watch him puck about with a hurley and sliotar as he speaks, and to listen to him list the 259 GAA clubs that exist in Cork alone. There is an obvious honesty that shines through the piece, as it travels through his character’s journey from hurling, to yoga, to acting, back to hurling, and to the now. But does that answer any of the above questions, or tackle any of the issues raised? I’m not sure. Spliced by Chalk it Down Productions ran at St Michan's Park as part of the Dublin Fringe Festival. Image: Sean Lordan
Posted: 24 September 2017 |