Review: The Mirror Stage at the Project Arts Centre

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It's was a blustery, wet night in Dublin, and was very grateful to be welcomed by the warm glow and atmosphere of the Project Arts Center ahead of Brokentalkers' new production, The Mirror Stage.

Photo by Ste Murray

This is my first time seeing a Brokentalkers' production, having heard about their theatre company for many years, and to say I was excited was an understatement. Their collaborative, contemporary take on theatre was something I thought I would enjoy, and would be perfectly placed to be staged at Ireland's contemporary theatre venue.

The show was conceptualised with and inspired by people who have lived through psychosis, something I will say I knew very little about before seeing this production. The main focus of the play was to question “when you imagine a theatre show about psychosis, what do you see on stage?” An interesting, yet challenging topic, which would require care and consideration in its delivery.

Photo by Ste Murray

Brokentalkers carry out this task with ease, creating a wonderfully dynamic and thought-provoking piece. An incredible element of this show is the use of vocal recordings from those who have experienced psychosis, creating an almost verbatim piece, giving us an insight into the challenges facing them. It was clear that every effort was taken to ensure each story was represented accurately on stage, with powerful direction by Feidlim Cannon & Gary Keegan and movement direction from Eddie Kay. Each moment was fully realised, and played to the strengths of their wonderful ensemble troop; Diarmuid Armstrong, Kévin Coquelard, Bun Kobayashi and Carolina Wilkinson, who are not only incredible dancers, but wonderful storytellers. The stories were further developed with the creative technical design of lighting by Sarah Jane Shiels and sound design by Valgeir Sigurdsson and Fiona Shiel, which complimented each other very well.

Photo by Ste Murray

It is worth noting that this show focuses and showcases real stories, and with this it tells the real truths around psychosis, the dangers of sterotypes and stigma, the hardships and support. When telling these stories, some elements are uncomfortable to watch and hear. I applaud how Brokentalkers handle these stories, not shying away from making an audience feel this way, but would recommend those who are sensitive to view this show with caution.

Photo by Ste Murray

Overall, Brokentalkers have created a play that really makes you think. The reaction after the show from the audience really showed the power of this style of contemporary theatre.

Ticket Information for Brokentalkers' The Mirror Stage:

The Mirror Stage runs at the Project Arts Centre from the 5th-12th of November 2025, before heading to the Everyman in Cork for the 18th of November 2025. Tickets for Dublin are available here, and for Cork here.

Disclaimer:

I was invited to this show in exchange for an honest review. My review was not affected by this invite.