The Hiker

I went to an amateur production tonight of The Hiker, “a play concerning the return to his family of a much-hated, unforgiven father.” I noticed that Ulster people don’t do Irish accents very well. I would say I had a hard time getting past the deficiencies of the actors and thinking about the issues the playwright was exploring. The actors did well enough--I could never get on a stage and memorise hundreds of lines--but I had newfound appreciation for professional actors who weave a web and pull you into the drama they present. All the acting and props fall away as you get caught up in the world they present. When that doesn’t happen, you focus on how uncomfortable your seat is and what you’re going to eat when you get home.
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