In a waiting room, inside a tower, Isla waits for her number to be called. A young woman finally understands her fate. And a young man faces a stark decision... In the midst of a bleak and terrifying world, comes a strange and tender love story.
This co-production between Galway International Arts Festival and Landmark Productions tells the story of Isla, who we find trapped in a tower. Her only companion is a young technician, who speaks to her from a control room. A fragile relationship develops as they struggle to connect in closely monitored surroundings.
Fusing drama and dance (a new element for Walsh), Arlington stars award-winning actor Charlie Murphy (Love/Hate), actor and writer Hugh O’Conor (Lamb), and dance artist Oona Doherty. Arlington premiered at Galway International Arts Festival 2016 in a specially constructed theatre space in Leisureland. Critics adored it, hailing the play as “a new form of comprehensive, category-defying theatre” (The Guardian), “a tremendous exploration of the transcending of circumstance” (The Stage) and "a seriously impressive and intelligent piece of theatre" (Sunday independent). The Stage described Doherty’s dance performance, choreographed by Emma Martin, as “visceral”.
Galway International Arts Festival audiences were equally enthralled, calling it “absolutely fantastic”, “out of this world” and “just stunning”.
Arlington runs at the Abbey Theatre from 10-25 February 2017 and tours to the prestigious St. Ann’s Warehouse in New York from 3 – 28 May 2017, where it will have a four-week run. Tickets for the Abbey Threatre are available from the Abbey Theatre; tickets for St. Ann's Warehouse are available from St. Ann's Warehouse.
Music for Arlington composed by Teho Teardo.