Eoin O’Dubhghaill in Story of a Day | Photo by John McMahon
Hats are made of affection.
Shoes are made of readiness.
Jackets are made of protection.
I love the giddy free association of these statements and the whimsical essentialism they suggest. Story of a Day (Scéal Lae), presented by the Canada Ireland Foundation as part of their Bealtaine Theatre Festival, is full of such delightful affirmations. Written and illustrated by Mary Murphy, this short yet sweet little production gives us one boy’s experience of an average day—from waking to sleep. It seems, at first, to be a bit plodding and humdrum, but the charm and potency of this family show sneaks up on you.
Performer Eoin O’Dubhghaill’s wide-eyed enthusiasm, Murphy’s gentle text and ephemeral imagery projected behind him, Tom Lane’s contemporary classical score for strings performed live on stage—it all has a stirring cumulative effect. This is not a high stakes adventure or a fable to impart some grand moral lesson; it is a tender meditation on the mundane routines of a day and how they can contain real beauty. The appreciation of that beauty isn’t a passive experience; it requires imaginative attention.
From the moment our young protagonist wakes up, calling after the dream that has scooted off on him, his day is full of engaging little episodes. Getting dressed, having breakfast, walking through snow, riding the bus and meeting the new girl at school with her magical sounding kalimba—there is so much to cherish.
Director Marc Mac Lochlainn fixes our attention on O’Dubhghaill’s energy and charisma, lets our eyes track his boisterous movements across the stage. There are a handful of props and a modular little unit that represents key elements of his home—his bed, for sleeping, and the kitchen, for meals with his family. Murphy’s projected drawings are a constant presence in the background, his imagination manifesting like a running visual commentary as his day unfolds. There are bubbles!
It’s simple, procedural, ordinary—and really quite lovely.
Story of a Day isn’t complicated.
Story of a Day isn’t full of danger.
Story of a Day is made of appreciation.
Story of a Day
ran May 17 to 18, 2025
Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse (70 St. George Street)
running time: 40 minutes (no intermission)
for ages 4 and up
Eoin O’Dubhghaill in Story of a Day | Photo by John McMahon