A dark comedy set in The Troubles that is both shocking and gripping. Female rage takes the forefront as two sisters reconnect and enact revenge. Rating
Excellent
Crocodile Fever is a dark comedy set in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, written by Meghan Tyler. What begins as an average domestic drama transforms into an ever-increasingly darker and darker story with thrilling twists and turns. Female rage and resistance is unleashed over one night in the family home, changing the way in which power and control is exerted over our protagonists.
The 80s provide a backdrop demonstrating the importance of religion in Ireland alongside the violence of British troops. However, this is not the primary focus of Crocodile Fever, but rather a secondary tension that simmers underneath throughout. The play instead forefronts the domestic, following the not so sweet reunion of two sisters Fianna (Tyler) and Alannah (Rachael Rooney).
Alannah cares for their Da, an invalid, in their childhood home following the tragic death of their mother. Alannah is neurotic, prudish and a devout Catholic, methodically cleaning and keeping the house in order. Rooney’s mannerisms, body language and line delivery all add to Alannah’s slowly evolving, unhinged and alcohol-fuelled behaviour, fleshing out a character who is stuck between routine and freedom as well as between father and sister.
Fianna threatens that order with her arrival. She enters the play hard and fast: smashing windows, stomping dirt and lighting cigarettes up in the house, she is a wild, chaotic free spirit whose arrival permanently changes the household. After spending eight years in prison and joining the Republican Army, she is a complete contrast to her sister. Tyler lands the comedy well with her delivery and embodies a gun-wielding storm that unsettles every aspect of Alannah and Da’s quiet lives.
Stephen Kennedy plays Da, an authoritarian father, who embodies the childhood trauma of the girls. Largely offstage for the first act, his booming voice, calling demands, alongside Alannah’s reactions shows the extent of his control. The sisters band together to regain power in a bloody twist which highlights clever special effects and staging.
The second act goes full on balls to the wall in a dramatic shift to the sinister. The final scene is a perfect coup de théâtre, both brilliant and jaw dropping. This highlights how well written the play is; a total shock to audiences that feels satisfyingly right yet absolutely crazy. Additionally, the dialogue throughout feels naturalistic, reminiscent of a sibling back and forth, with moments of dark comedy that are timed right and land well.
Merve Yörük’s set design complements the play beautifully. It encapsulates the domestic setting, including a mantelpiece with a large picture of the mother as well as lots of religious ephemera, which shows the extent of Alannah’s devotion and guilt. On leaving the theatre at the interval for a set change, the ever-dirtied disorder of the set reflects the unfolding chaos of it all. The studio itself is too small for it to truly shine, leading it to feel a bit cramped on the stage, but it is still a good fit for the play itself.For the most part, the pacing is great as the drama unfolds. However, the first act feels a bit slow at points, which contrasts greatly with the fast-paced whirlwind of the second. Crocodile Fever is an ambitious production and well-written play that shocks and grips its audience with violence and revenge.
Written by Meghan Tyler
Directed by Mehmet Erğen
Set design by Merve Yörük
Lighting design by Richard Williamson
Sound design by Benjamin Grant
Costume design by Gül Sağer
Puppet design by Rachael Canning
Fight direction by Austin Spangler
Production management by Joe Prentice
Stage management by Elizabeth Khabaza
Crocodile Fever plays at the Arcola Theatre Saturday 22 November.
