London Classic Theatre presents Faith Healer by Brian Friel this autumn, a significant play in 20th century theatre. Read on to find out more about the play and its celebrated writer.
What’s it about?
Brian Friel’s Faith Healer (1979) is constructed through a series of four monologues that weave together an unreliable, rashomon-style, narrative about the life and death of the charismatic Frank Hardy (Paul Carroll), apparently gifted in his ability to perform healing miracles. The monologues are delivered by Hardy himself, his wife Grace (Gina Costigan), his manager, Teddy (Jonathan Ashley), and finally Hardy again. The monologues explore the turbulent lives of the characters, their own difficulties in understanding and believing in Frank’s gift, and their deaths.
About the play, actor Paul Carroll says, “Some dark and hard truths emerge from their storytelling that leads us to a thrilling conclusion.” Throughout the play it becomes clear that the narratives from each character don’t add up, leaving the ‘truth’ purposefully ambiguous. It is an examination of perspectives that leaves space for the audience to question everything they are told and led to believe. The play has been named one of the 40 best plays of all time.
Who was Brian Friel?
In his lifetime, Biran Friel was considered to be one the greatest living English-language dramatists, and was respectfully referred to as the “Irish Chekhov”. His early work centred around contemporary Irish political issues, but he later turned his hand to focus on more intimate dramas that explored family dynamics and Irish history. “He knows people,” says Carroll, “He clocks their quirks and idiosyncrasies and transfers those perfectly to the page and to the stage. His characterisations are just superb. He has a certain way with words that makes them sound beautiful together and makes it so easy for an actor to speak them. Nothing, ever, feels wrong.”
Along with Aristocrats (1979) and Translations (1980), Faith Healer was one of three plays, produced in quick succession, that defined Friel’s career as a playwright who would incorporate avant-garde techniques into his work, whilst exploring personal, relatable narratives.
Many of Friel’s plays, including parts of Faith Healer, were set in or referred to the fictional town of Ballybeg. Using a recurring setting in different historical periods was a device that allowed Friel to explore the impact of socio-political developments on a rural Irish community over time.
About London Classic Theatre
London Classic Theatre aims to produce challenging, accessible drama for audiences in London and around the UK. Based in Whyteleafe, Surrey the company is run by Artistic Director Michael Cabot and Producer Kathryn Cabot, who have overseen its development into one of the UK’s leading touring companies. They work with, and frequently draw from, an exceptional core company of actors and designers as well as welcoming new talent. The cornerstone of their work is a commitment to excellence on stage.
Faith Healer by Brian Friel is at the Connaught Theatre for one night only on Friday 17th November from 7:30pm