Imagine trading your very soul for power and knowledge, only to discover it's not even yours to give—what a chilling twist on a timeless tale! This provocative question lies at the heart of a fresh dark comedy hitting Belfast's stages, blending the legendary Faust story with the raw essence of Northern Irish politics. But here's where it gets controversial: what if the real devil isn't the one with horns, but the compromises we make in our everyday lives? Stick around, because this reimagined play isn't just entertainment—it's a mirror held up to modern society, and it's sure to spark some heated debates. And this is the part most people miss: how desensitization to global horrors through our screens might be eroding our humanity, one scroll at a time.
Politicians Waltzing with Temptation: A Devilish New Spin on an Old Legend
By Eve Hughes
BBC News NI
Picture this: you're a scholar desperate for enlightenment and indulgence, so you strike a bargain with the devil himself. That's the core of the classic Faust tale, a story of ambition gone awry that has captivated audiences for centuries. Now, imagine updating that drama to the corridors of the Northern Ireland Assembly, where a local politician attempts the same perilous pact—and learns the hard way that some deals leave you emptier than before. This is exactly what 'Faust-ish,' a bold new production directed by Zoe Seaton at Belfast's Lyric Theatre, does. It takes the ancient legend and infuses it with a distinctly Northern Irish flavor, turning it into a satirical romp that's equal parts fable and farce.
A Mischievous Blend of Satire, Mischief, and Good Old Craic
At the center of this theatrical whirlwind are two standout performers: Faith Hughes portrays the ambitious assembly member, while Chris Robinson dons multiple hats, including the devil himself. In a chat with BBC News NI, Seaton shared the inspiration behind transporting this epic saga into 2025 Northern Ireland. She points to a growing issue in our digital age: desensitization and emotional detachment. "How are our modern lifestyles affecting us as people?" she ponders aloud. To illustrate, she describes the jarring shift of witnessing a horrific news event on your phone, only to instantly switch to cute puppy videos. This rapid-fire emotional whiplash is embodied by the politician's journey, but Seaton is quick to clarify that the play isn't accusing Northern Irish politicians of being soulless. Instead, it probes deeper into what we can truly rely on in today's world of uncertainty.
"We hear a lot about fake news these days," Seaton explains, "leaving us unsure what's genuine and what's fabricated. That's where live theatre shines—it’s tangible, something you can physically experience and sense, cutting through the noise." The creators, including Robinson, describe 'Faust-ish' as a clever mash-up of mischief, sharp satire, and that irrepressible Irish craic (a term for fun and banter, if you're not familiar with it—think lively, spirited enjoyment). Robinson even questions whether Lucifer is the story's most villainous figure. "In our version, is he really the worst? I'm not convinced," he says, challenging viewers to consider if the politician's choices—those gradual compromises for power—might be more destructive than playing the devil's advocate.
This theme invites us to reflect: politicians often enter public service with noble intentions, aiming to uplift communities or drive positive change. Yet, it's those seemingly minor decisions and trade-offs that can chip away at their integrity over time. But here's where it gets controversial—could it be that we're all making similar bargains in our daily routines, sacrificing pieces of ourselves for fleeting gains? It's a thought that might make you squirm, especially when applied to leaders we trust or even our own habits.
Innovation in Theatre: From Zoom to Immersive Worlds
For Seaton, 'Faust-ish' marks a shift from her pandemic-era innovations, like hosting shows via Zoom during Covid-19 lockdowns. Her previous hit, 'Granny Jackson's Dead,' merged traditional theatre with cutting-edge immersive tech, staged in a real house on Malone Road. It earned acclaim as the best production at the Origin 1st Irish Festival 2025. "I always aim for each project to be thrilling and radically different from the last," Seaton notes. "We had a blast with 'Granny Jackson's Dead,' but this one takes us in a wholly new direction."
Looking ahead, after 'Faust-ish,' she's gearing up for 'Judy's House,' an interactive blend of theatre and film that delves into family relationships—a perfect example of how she's pushing boundaries to explore human connections in fresh ways. But first, it's time for her to choreograph a dance with the devil, hoping to ignite meaningful dialogues about our fractured modern world among the audience.
And this is the part most people miss: theater like this isn't just about laughs or scares; it's a catalyst for self-reflection. Do you agree that small compromises erode our souls, or is that just dramatic flair? Is the devil in the details of politics, or in our own screens? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you see parallels in today's society, or is this just a fun reinterpretation? Let's discuss!
