Getting up close and personal with Wozzeck

Daguerreotype Irish Theatre Group - Wosseck | 4/5

As a frequent theatre goer I could never have predicted the type of play that Wozzeck turned out to be. A far cry from the traditional seated rows of people munching on crisps and casually napping, Wozzeck is an interactive experience which literally puts the audience into the story.

The play is set around the audience who are free to travel from scene to scene as it is happening. At first I found the entire set up quite uncomfortable, as it is strange to watch actors who were two feet from you play out intimate scenes. But I was surprised by how quickly I got drawn into the story.

The story of Wozzeck is originally a George Baucher piece written in 1836 called Woyzeck, which the Daguerreotype Irish theatre group have adapted. Director Dan Bergin and Producer Ed Collins from DCU turned it into a modern day story of a young business man who lets the actions of those around him infect his mind and drive him mad.

This lead role, played flawlessly by Donal Gallery, shows a man consumed by isolation and complete paranoia. The supporting cast are equally as talented, with a lovely performance from Marc Atkinson as the philandering psychiatrist who, along with Niamh Hogan, ended up barely dressed in one particular scene. The professionalism of all the actors was commendable. I must make special mention of them having no sense of a barrier between themselves and their audience. The part of the clown and narrator played by Connor Madden was exceptional, however it was Gallery’s Wozzeck which carried the show and made it believable.

Daguerreotype Irish theatre group are a newly formed company. Their aim is to steer away from the traditional stage production and use modern technology mixed with actors to tell a story. This was proven in the part of Andreas which was played by a mannequin voiced by Dan Bergin, which shouldn’t have worked but somehow it did.

One can see this type of theatre becoming more popular, especially for the younger generations looking for an alternative to the stage show. Although the play was only an hour long, because you spend the time on your feet, you leave feeling this was time enough. With the constant movement of scene and actors: it was fast paced, entertaining and never stagnant and a true substitute to the theatre experience.

The play is currently on in Samuel Beckett centre situated in Trinity College.