Unravelling Anxieties
In a world where artistic expression becomes a powerful lens to explore the nuances of mental health, Brú Theatre emerges as a captivating storyteller, contributing to the First Fortnight Festival with their compelling play, Selvage. In an exclusive interview, we sit down with Jill Murray, Brú's Creative Producer, to delve into the inspiration and intricacies of this innovative production.
What inspired your contribution to the event?
“We have been big fans of the festival over the last few years and have seen some brilliant shows that have addressed mental health in creative, sensitive, and funny ways. We are delighted that Selvage, a piece inspired by anxiety in its many guises, will be in this year’s programme.” The First Fortnight festival, renowned for exploring mental health through art, provides an ideal platform for Selvage to tackle the complexities of anxiety and create hope through humour, original live music, and a unique touch of knitting.
“At its core, the piece is an exploration of mental health, a journey of discovery as our main character learns to calm himself down, to self-soothe when anxiety rears its gnawing head. The themes of the work fit perfectly into the festival with its celebration of art that’s inspired by mental health,” Jill elaborates. It’s evident that Selvage is not just a performance; it’s a carefully crafted narrative contributing to the ongoing dialogue about mental health.
Can you share a glimpse of what attendees can expect from your performance? What can they look forward to?
Selvage promises a unique blend of elements that make it a standout experience for the audience. Jill paints a vivid picture: “Audiences can expect a piece of new writing merged with live electronic music from musician Anna Mullarkey. There are a multitude of characters, all dealing with anxiety in their own ways, as we follow one person’s journey towards the cultivation of self-care (through knitting, inspired by writer James’ grandmother!) It’s quite fast-paced and wide-reaching, with some puppetry and physical theatre in the mix.”
The show introduces us to a world where Granny has been incarcerated, a fairytale has faltered, and a gnawing sensation haunts Joe. Selvage, a line of self-securing knitting, unfolds as a creative examination of modern anxieties, offering a poignant exploration of the avenues people navigate to find solace.
Originally developed through Druid’s FUEL programme, Selvage had two sell-out runs in Galway in 2019 before embarking on a 10-venue national tour in 2022. The show’s excellence was acknowledged with two Irish Times Theatre Award nominations in 2020, recognising Best Actor Performance by writer James Riordan and Best Lighting Design by Lighting Designer Sarah Jane Shiels.
As we unravel the layers of Selvage, we discover the dedicated minds behind Brú Theatre, with Artistic Director James Riordan and Creative Producer Jill Murray at the helm. Their associate artists, including Anna Mullarkey, Julianna Bloodgood, and Philippa Hambly, further contribute to the rich tapestry of talent that makes Selvage a must-see production.
Brú Theatre’s Selvage stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in illuminating the complexities of mental health. As it takes centre stage at the First Fortnight Festival, audiences can anticipate a thought-provoking, visually stunning experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional theater.
Selvage is showing at Smock Alley Theatre as part of the First Fortnight Festival on Friday 12th of January at 7.30pm and Saturday 13th of January at 3.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale now for €20/€18 concession.
