The Gown – student newspaper at Queen's University Belfast.

BELFAST FESTIVAL AT QUEEN’S REVIEW: Terminus

Previously described as both “gripping” and “grotesque”, Mark O’Rowe’s latest production ‘Terminus’ surely lives up to its reputation. Three inter-cutting and connecting monologues spoken by a trio of characters merely designated as A, B and C, come together as the ordinary turns extraordinary. An Abbey Theatre Commission, Terminus is a supernatural narrative told by three characters: a lonesome young woman looking for love; her mother, who is seeking atonement; and a serial killer who has sold his soul to the Devil. These three inter cutting and connecting monologues are spoken by a trio of characters merely designated as A, B and C.

BY CONNOR DALY

“This play felt like an opening up of my world,” Mr. O’Rowe said. “I realized when I wrote about the demon that if you can tell it well enough, you can go anywhere with this, literally anywhere. That was a real discovery.” A static 100-minute performance nevertheless opens up an entire new world of sex, murder and fantastic rhythm; a world of sinful acts and brutal consequences. A breath-taking script, though one to be admired, is not one for the faint of heart due to its strong language and violent and sexual descriptions.

“A hundred thousand worms turn red in a blush”;

O’Rowe’s ability to manipulate the beauty of poetry is evident throughout, as witnessed in his previous works which include Howie the Rookie, Made in China and the all-female Crestfall. A standing ovation was granted by its audience following a deadly conclusion that, “Even the devil remembered heaven after he fell”.

A fitting end to a worthy production.

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This entry was posted on Friday, October 23rd, 2009 at 2:37 pm and is filed under Arts + Entertainment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.