Play Pie and a Pint: Doras Dùinte (Closed Door) @ Òran Mór

The ever changing power balance between the leads makes for interesting viewing in Catrìona Lexy Chaimbeul’s new play Doras Dùinte, which is also the first Gàidhlig play Òran Mór has produced for A Play, A Pie and A Pint. 

Set in a remote house in the rough bounds of Scotland, this simple tale of two people learning to live together takes an altogether darker turn as it explores the developing co-dependency between them and issues of need, control and motivation. As time passes agoraphobic Lydia relies on Guthrie more and more but when she pursues some independence he wants her to remain behind the closed doors of the house.

There’s something constrained about this production and at times it’s quite static; the action is often pushed to the sides of the stage, not unlike the characters that live on the margins themselves.  This may stem from ensuring the surtitles are seen centre stage but as a result the staging sometimes feels forced.

Despite this, there is a good chemistry between the Donna Nic Leòid’s agitated Lydia and Dòl Eoin MacKinnon’s more relaxed Guthrie (he does Tai Chi).  Some sharper pacing could make the rather abrupt finale, which is already a shock, more effective.  The haunting music by Ross Brown makes for a lovely soundtrack behind the action and draws you into the intense atmosphere.  Co-produced with Mull Theatre and Theatre Gu Leòr, Doras Dùinte leaves you with a few unanswered questions but there’s much promise to build on.