Fresh out the gate at the Dublin Fringe Festival is HOTHOUSE, a brilliantly existential play written by Carys D. Coburn with MALAPROP, a collective of Irish theatre-makers. Guided by a sunny ship captain (Peter Corboy), the story transports the audience through several time periods to delve into the themes of parenthood, love, extinction, and the strong desire for change that lingers through generations. Through the visceral realities of past, present, and future, HOTHOUSE reminds the audience that though these desires may sometimes feel pointless, it truly is better late than never.
Effortlessly satirical and clad in a garish orange, this play grabs the terrifying realities of climate disaster by the horns. Though this sounds like a depressing watch, what you will discover is that your fears are cleverly wrapped up and repackaged into jovial song and hilariously dismal relationships. This ensures that you can at least get a laugh in before facing the grim, apocalyptic future that is laid out in front of you by HOTHOUSE’s talented cast. Alongside Corboy are Thommas Kane Byrne, Bláithín Mac Gabhann, Maeve O’Mahony and, Ebby O’Toole Acheampong. Each of these actors perform as an array of colourful characters who are effortlessly sardonic and charming in their individual ways, no matter how big or small their stage time.
From start to finish HOTHOUSE held the audience rapt with anticipation, whether it be from the hilarity or the numbing sense of dread that Coburn and MALAPROP deftly wove into this theatre piece. I nearly signed up to watch it all over again the following night. Avoiding emotional whiplash can be a challenge for a play with such fluid tonal shift. Throughout this piece a seamless flow is maintained and is sure to have you shedding tears of sadness, fear and laughter. With spectacular performances and meticulously woven timelines that paint a full and vivid picture, HOTHOUSE is one to grab tickets for before the Fringe festival closes out on the 24th of September.
HOTHOUSE is playing until the 16th of September at the Project Arts Centre.
