For Dolores theatre review: Friendship at breaking point
In a non-linear whirlwind of grief, jealousy and murder, this two-hander follows a fracturing female friendship put through the wringer
Mo (Catriona Faint) and Réaltín (Lara McDonnell) were inseparable at uni but, when we first encounter them in For Dolores, they come across like a couple stuck in a failing marriage, blaming and bickering. Haunted by the untimely death of Mo’s younger brother, the pair do their best to bury their grief and raise Réaltín’s daughter Dolores. Grief, however, can’t be bottled up forever. For Dolores takes the form of a couples’ therapy session, Mo and Réaltín taking turns (or interjecting) to explain their side of the story to us. The show misses no opportunity for drama. While the accumulation of alcoholism, infidelity, jealousy, unrequited love and murder sometimes feels a bit much, the central relationship keeps things largely grounded.
Strong performances characterise this two-hander, with Mo’s hard edges and political passion bouncing well off Réaltín’s naive, wishy-washy friendliness. Faint’s performance is especially compelling in the way that she draws vulnerability out of such a combative character. This dynamic of the overprotective best friend and the boy-crazy counterpart may be well-trodden, but For Dolores manages to avoid falling into stereotypes. Instead, it reveals a deep friendship marred by insecurity and selfishness on both sides.
For Dolores, Traverse Theatre, until 30 August, times vary; picture: Pat Redmond.