Molly Sweeney

Molly Sweeney is a lengthy study of an intimate story. Driven by personal obsessions, Molly's husband and a local surgeon conspire to restore her sight, only to plunge her into degenerative mental illness. Unlike many stage presentations of psychological disorder, Molly Sweeney is precise and distressing, following Molly's tragedy without patronising either the character or those affected by her behaviour.

The strength of Brian Friel's script is matched by stunning performances. If Dr Rice is melodramatic, this reveals the inner romanticism that his clinical persona struggles to hide. Husband Frank is self-centred and effusive without losing a natural charm, though his lack of compassion is revealed in his ultimate rejection of Molly. And Cara Kelly, Molly herself, is passionately windswept, celebrating a deep vivacity even in the final moments of encroaching darkness.

The plot exposes the self-interest of the apparently kind Frank, Molly's inability to deal with sight and Dr Rice's alcoholic desperation; yet it is impossible to dislike them. Even an insane Molly radiates a delicate warmth, and Frank's selfishness is comprehensible within his enthusiasms. The first half comprehensively introduces the three characters. The unravelling of the tragedy in the second is lent pathos by the audience's familiarity with their relationships.

The cumulative effect is heartbreaking; the early compassion is gradually replaced by failure. Friel avoids the hysterical or spectacular, preferring to unfold the action through the characters' own interpretations and responses. Eschewing grand themes, Molly Sweeney is a poetic tragedy with its feet firmly on the earth.