Dublin Theatre Festival Premieres Lourdes! The Musical and Activist Art Works

Lourdes! The Musical, a fresh offering from Xnthony Ltd, premiered at the Dublin Theatre Festival. Renowned for their work, Oliver Cromwell Is Really Very Sorry, the company tells the tale of a drama group from a parish making their way to Lourdes, France. The plot centers on singer-songwriter Matthew (Riain Cash), whose dreams in Los Angeles were crushed by an HIV diagnosis in 2008, prompting his return to his village in "Countryland" to support the group's production about Saint Bernadette. The story intricately blends a musical-within-a-musical with the pilgrimage experience. Xnthony crafted the lyrics, while Matthew Floyd Jones created a score that fuses pop, club rhythms, and heartfelt ballads, under the direction of Sarah Meadows. The festival also features performances addressing issues like racism and conflict, alongside an engaging piece on lost languages. Another work critiques activist art through slashed canvases. The Guardian rated Lourdes! The Musical four stars, likening the pilgrimage site to "a holy Blackpool, a divine Las Vegas," representing both hope and despair for five unexpected travelers. This production is part of a diverse festival lineup exploring profound themes through various theatrical expressions.