The Brightening Air is a new play by Conor McPherson set in 1980s Ireland. The family home has been passed down through the generations and every close family member has a memory of their childhood connected to the house.
Chris O'Dowd in the role of oldest brother Dermot returns home for a family gathering, much to the surprise of his long-suffering wife Lydia (Hannah Morrish).
Younger brother Stephen (Brian Gleeson) is desperately trying to keep the family home going although he is struggling financially while looking after their younger sister Billie (Rosie Sheehy) at the same time. As the storyline develops, it becomes clear that Billie is on the spectrum and will always need someone to keep an eye on her.
Sheehy gives an incredible performance throughout. Her outlook on life through the spectrum lens allows her to see the family dynamics in a black and white perspective. She needs the security of her home and familiar surroundings to stop her from having violent “melt downs”. She relies heavily on Stephen, and the pressure becomes too much for him.
The family dynamics and complications that build over the generations have been captured by director Conor McPherson. The unrushed two-act play organically unfolds, and each of the characters has time to develop and reveal their true intentions.
Set designer Rae Smith created the rural domestic setting, which featured aged wooden furniture which would be in keeping with the generations of the family that had lived there before. I especially liked the family piano, which would have been a key source of entertainment, bringing music and laughter into their home.
The Brightening Air isn't groundbreaking or particularly challenging Theatre. There are some good performances throughout and it shows what can happen in life if you end up stuck in a situation that you aren't happy with but can't find a way out of it.
It runs until 14 June. Tickets: here.
Review: Elaine Chapman Photos: Manuel Harlan