Catherine Walker and Peter Corboy in Reunion [Mark Senior]

A COMPELLING domestic drama featuring a sterling cast of 10, Mark O’Rowe’s Reunion, which premiered at Galway International Arts Festival, explores love, loss and sibling rivalry.

Elaine (Aislín McGuckin) gathers her family at their holiday home on an island off Ireland’s west coast to remember her late husband, Sean.

She’s joined by daughter Marilyn (Kate Gilmore) and her boyfriend Ciaran (Leonard Buckley), son Maurice (Peter Corboy), his partner Holly (Simone Collins), and Holly’s awkward father, Felix (Stephen Brennan).

Tensions rise with the arrival of Elaine’s emotionally volatile sister Gina (Catherine Walker), recently dumped after 13 years in a relationship, and Elaine’s other daughter Janice (Venetia Bowe) with husband Stuart (Stephen Hagan).

Yet Sean is barely mentioned during their brief time together. Instead, we get feuding sisters, lonely outsiders, and hints of betrayal and domestic violence, though O’Rowe keeps us guessing as to where it’s headed.

Throwing another spanner in the works is Marilyn’s ex, Aonghus (Ian-Lloyd Anderson), an islander, who drops by with copies of his poetry collection. He returns in the early hours to declare his undying love.

Reunion takes time to settle as we untangle the characters’ relationships. Not much happens in the first act – other than a trip to the pub and the preparation of dinner – but emotions simmer beneath the surface.

O’Rowe, who also directs, draws brilliant performances from the ensemble. There’s unexpected depth to the family’s discord, and comic mileage in the characters’ flaws and thwarted desires, with Brennan and Anderson providing much of the humour.

The unseen upper level of Francis O’ Connor’s two-tiered set offers emotional refuge for some.

I thought I’d had my fill of dysfunctional family dramas, but I loved this bittersweet, messy tale.

Recommended.

Until October 11
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