Call Yourself an Irishman
Written and Performed by Declan Duffy
Directed by David Alexander
Jack Studio Theatre
Star rating; 3.5
If you are born, and live, in a country are you truly a “national” even if your parents migrated from somewhere else? Declan Duffy’s thoughtful, informative autobiographical piece explores the notion of duality from his own London Irish perspective. But the fundamental point could apply to any nationality or culture especially in a diverse city such as London. Is a so-called second or third generation person Irish (or whatever) English, neither or both? The answer probably boils down to point of view and it’s more topical than ever now, perhaps, given that immigration is such a contentious issue at present.
In what is effectively an entertaining, theatrical lecture (a lot of words) rather than a play, Duffy starts with a brief history of Ireland’s relationship with England which began with Henry II’s being asked for help in 1171. That led to a takeover and triggered 800 years of strained relations between the two nations. He then ranges over football, music, pubs (his parents were publicans in Kilburn), church, Guinness, actors, writers, politics and everything else that distinguishes the Irish. He’s a richly articulate and talented presenter.
At times he acts out conversations and although he speaks naturally with a London accent, he can switch on an Irish voice and turn himself into a range of characters convincingly. He also sings several poignant songs, competently accompanying himself on guitar.
Unlike most of the audience that I saw this with (who chuckled appreciatively when they identified with what Duffy was saying) w I have no Irish connections. That meant that I learned a lot from Duffy. Church, for example, was so important as a bonding community for Irish immigrants in the 1990s that one church in Kilburn routinely held 21 masses each weekend.
Duffy is a charismatic stage presence whose piece often pulls you up short. I was especially struck by the stereotyping and racism against Irish people and he quotes several examples, some of them current. It is true that no one would dare tell racist jokes making fun of say, Muslims or Jamaicans so why is it still acceptable when it’s the Irish who are the butt?
Interesting stuff even if it isn’t quite theatre.
