As with their excellent Macbeth two years ago, Pan Pan Theatre set out to deconstruct a theatre classic by performing not only the familiar story, but its societal subtext. And so we have Oedipus Rex played out by a dysfunctional suburban family in a deadpan, drugged-out style. Simon Doyle and Gavin Quinn's prosaic text transforms the plague-ridden city of Thebes into the malaise and boredom of a back garden barbecue. Once the familiar plot lines are launched, a new second act has the family's "psycho ... therapist" Tiresias conducting a group encounter session about how everyone's really feeling. This is all both funny and intelligent, acknowledging the Oedipus story as the ur-text of modern Western civilisation, and the therapeutic relationship as our interaction.
Further layers of action, however, are less available to audience members as ironic commentary. The characters are also members of a band, who from time to time play some growly guitar rock numbers. Since everything else has so far lined up logically, we seem encouraged to look for metaphorical significance in this (we all need to nurture our inner rock star?) but it ends up feeling like a too cool in-joke.
More engaging is director Quinn, visible in a booth on one side of the stage, doodling on a pad and playing with toy figures. These actions are projected via live video onto a screen. During crucial scenes, the actors put on headphones and Quinn feeds them their lines. A commentary about the contemporary artist as God-figure, perhaps, or a more specific reference to Pan Pan's creative practice? Hard to know, but intriguing.
Programmed alongside, but not as a part of, the Dublin Theatre Festival, this show feels like the underground talking back to the establishment, an impression augmented by its grotty basement setting. The rebel spirit is welcome, even if the show is sometimes obscure.
· Until October 21. Box office: (353) 1 633 4493.
