We chatted to Eimhin about starring in The Brightening Air at The Old Vic Theatre.
Hi Eimhin, what can we expect from The Brightening Air? You can expect a story that is really steeped in deep love. Conor has had this play marinating in the pot for a while. It’s funny, upsetting, uncomfortable, heartwarming and overall just a great play in my opinion. If you’re someone who likes Conor McPhersons writing, then this is the holy grail. He really has taken lots of elements and ideas from his past works and weaved
them all together to create this beautiful play. All of us are working super hard to do it
justice, and you can feel that every person in the room believes in how great this play is. It’s really special and I can’t wait to share it with everyone who comes to see it.
How does it feel to be part of the world premiere of Conor McPherson’s new play? It’s surreal! To go from reading his plays in college to now being in one is a path that I never saw myself going down. I thought that with this job would be a lot of pressure, but Conor has been so insanely supportive and kind, and I really feel at home in this production and with this amazing group of people. I don’t know if I’ll ever be part of something quite like this ever again.
What stood out for you the most about this story? It’s hard to pinpoint one thing. The first time I read the script, I remember feeling like I had just been on such a colossal journey – it was a really unique feeling. So much happens – it’s absurd yet truthful, bleak yet vibrant, hilarious yet heartbreaking. I’m usually quite good at not getting attached whilst auditioning, but I remember how badly I wanted to be in this play, so when I eventually got cast it was a very overwhelming moment.
What can you tell us about your character Brendan? Brendan is the neighbour of the McFaddin family who, for different reasons, often finds himself in the middle of sermons, arguments and odd romantic situations within the McFaddin home. He’s quite tragic, but he has such a pure heart and a love of music! I have been having so much fun playing him and hope that audiences love Brendan as much as I do.
What do you enjoy the most about performing new writing? I love being able to be a part of bringing a world that lived in someone’s mind to life for the first time. It’s so important to support new writing; Conor is obviously already established as a playwright, but there are a huge number of people out there who have important things to say and haven’t had the opportunity to share their writing. It is through the sharing of our ideas, feelings and experiences that we create a common humanity. I hope to partake in new writing for the rest of my career to help tell other people’s stories, especially those who have been silenced in the past.
How does it feel to be performing at The Old Vic? It’s such a gorgeous theatre with so much history. We had our first session on the stage last week, and I don’t even have the words to express how I felt. I’m so lucky, it’s as simple as that. What really makes The Old Vic for me though is the staff – I’m yet to meet someone there who isn’t absolutely lovely, whether it’s the producers or the people who work in the cafe. It’s such a warm and welcoming place to work – people really care, and I wish I could stay forever.
By Emma Clarendon
The Brightening Air will run at The Old Vic Theatre from the 10th April until the 14th June.