At Glasgow’s Òran Mór, Jonny Donahoe presents a complex and caustic two-person play that explores the profound psychological upheaval triggered by the arrival of a first baby. The narrative suggests that parenthood does more than disrupt daily routines; it fundamentally alters family dynamics, with children assuming parental roles and responsibility passing down to a new generation.
The plot centers on Son (Mark Barrett), who returns to his mother’s home after an eight-month absence. He finds Mother (Blythe Duff) in her back garden, where she is indifferent to his presence and instead focused on burning family photographs in a bonfire. Despite the frosty reception, Son persists in seeking connection.
Blythe Duff and Mark Barrett excel in their portrayals of two individuals inextricably bound to one another, capturing the tension and bitterness of their strained reunion.
Mark Barrett brings such intensity as the Son. I’m left wondering if reconciliation is even possible here.
The bonfire scene with Blythe Duff is absolutely chilling. Raw family trauma on full display.