Review of the Play, 'Unspeakable Conversations'

Review of the Play 'Unspeakable Conversations' Galway International Arts Festival, Galway, Ireland (July, 2024). 

Last night I attended a play in The Druid Theatre in Galway, Ireland titled ‘Unspeakable Conversations’. As university students in the 80s, we studied philosophy and a module was ‘Animal Rights’ with one of the key theorists being Peter Singer. So, I was fascinated to see how complex material would be approached in the play in terms of his discourse.

It’s a thought-provoking and deeply moving play adapted from Harriet McBryde Johnson's essay of the same name, which recounts her encounters and debates with Princeton professor Peter Singer, known for his controversial views on disability and euthanasia. The play brings to life the intense and often uncomfortable dialogue between Johnson, a fierce disability rights advocate who lives with a severe neuromuscular disease, and Singer, who questions the moral implications of allowing severely disabled infants to live.

The strength of "Unspeakable Conversations" lies in its ability to humanise a philosophical debate that could easily become abstract and detached. The playwrights have done an excellent job of preserving Johnson's sharp wit, intelligence, and vulnerability, making her a compelling and relatable protagonist. Her interactions with Singer are depicted with a balance of respect and tension, highlighting the complexity of their ideological clash.

The staging of the play is simple yet effective, often using minimal props and set designs to keep the focus on the dialogue. This choice underscores the importance of the words and ideas being exchanged, allowing the audience to fully engage with the moral and ethical questions being raised. The use of lighting and sound design further enhances the emotional impact of key moments, drawing the audience deeper into Johnson's world.

The actors' performances are crucial to the play's success. The actor portraying Johnson delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, capturing her resilience, humour, and unwavering commitment to her beliefs. The actor playing Singer brings a measured intensity to the role, conveying his intellectual rigour and the controversial nature of his arguments without veering into caricature.

"Unspeakable Conversations" is not an easy play to watch. It challenges the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about disability, autonomy, and the value of human life. Yet, it is precisely this challenge that makes the play so compelling. It forces viewers to examine their own beliefs and prejudices, encouraging a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of disabled individuals. Wonderful to have such thoughtful material on show during the Galway International Arts Festival 2024.