Anna Doolan stars in Kathryn O’Reilly’s second play, Poisoned Polluted, exploring the impact of being nurtured in a toxic environment.
The complexities of childhood trauma, drug addiction and shame are brought to the forefront in this original full-length poetic drama.
Poisoned Polluted, featuring Anna Doolan is at The Old Red Lion Theatre 5th to 30th November 2019. Tickets are on sale here.
You’re starring in Poisoned Polluted at The Old Red Lion, what can you tell us about it?
Poisoned Polluted is about two sisters struggling to survive. They’ve had a toxic childhood and are bound by the legacy of what has been before. It’s a memory play that moves through time from when the sisters were kids right through to present day. We use movement to express the physical trauma experienced.
How would you describe your character?
I am playing ‘Her’. The younger sister. She is very strong and determined, upbeat and positive. She likes to fix things and is very good at moving forward as opposed to looking back or talking about the past. She has an incredibly close bond with her sister and no other relationship compares. She loves her sister so much.
What has impressed you most about Kathryn O’Reilly’s writing?
Kathryn O’Reilly’s writing is amazing. The play is derived from a poem and so in parts has elements of poetic language. It’s very real and bold, and is very fast paced. It’s impressive because it takes the audience on a real journey. It’s also really funny as we see the close sister relationship.
Why is the Old Red Lion the ideal venue for Poisoned Polluted?
The Old Red Lion is a very intimate space, where the audience are very close to the action on the stage. We love this intimacy and it makes the drama feel more real, there’s nowhere for anyone to hide. Just like the sisters in the play when having to face their problems.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see Poisoned Polluted?
It’s a powerful piece of theatre to entertain – gritty and moving.
Main Image: Anna Doolan c. Robert Workman
