New Theatre’s production of Dancing at Lughnasa is a beautifully heart-wrenching love letter to rural Irish life and the women who, somehow, kept on keeping on in the face of poverty and an ever looming Industrial Revolution.
A young Michael watches silently as his five aunts go about their days – steadfast routines to keep one working hard, cleanse the soul and block out the pit of stomach pain of loneliness. As time peels away from the linear narrative, Michael realises the truth of adulthood and how these five women do what must be done to survive.
Brian Friel’s semi-autobiographical work leans into the lyrical and matter of fact Irish story telling, intrinsically investigating every detail and using the perfect words to frame a moment, only to abandon the rules of time in the same sentence. And it is within this dramaturgical framework that the work finds its tragically beautiful grounding
Isabella Milkovitsch brings a masterful eye to the direction of the work, steering the narrative with a deft hand and a distinct point of view. Milkovitsch exquisitely understands the ebb and flow of the script, allowing the story to gently unfold as the characters dip deeper into despair.
Megan Bennetts, Audrey Blyde, Sebastian Gray, Marisa Hissey, Patrick Holman, Iris Simpson, James Sugrue and Tenielle Thompson each deliver complex and emotional performances that don’t just leave the audience transfixed but showcase each actors talent as both an individual and as part of the powerhouse ensemble.
Max Shaw’s set design dramaturgically brings to life the decaying and oppressive nature of poverty and Paris Bell’s lighting used with utter perfection to highlight the oppressive world slowly closing in on the characters.
With yet another work showcasing the absolute talent that the New Theatre brings to the stage, it is no wonder that this work will and has constantly sold out.
Dancing at Lughnasa
New Theatre, 542 King Street, Newtown
Season continues to 16 May 2026
Information and Bookings: www.newtheatre.org.au
Image: Dancing at Lughnasa – photo by Bob Seary
Review: Gavin Roach