New Play Yfel Explores Artistic Ambition and Sacrifice

A new theatrical production titled Yfel is set to challenge conventional notions of artistic ambition and sacrifice. Premiering at the Project Arts Centre in Dublin on December 6, 2025, the play is a collaboration between the Irish theatre company Pan Pan and the Melbourne-based collective Aphids, led by Mish Grigor and Marcus McKenzie.

Set within a performing arts school, Yfel delves into the extremes to which aspiring artists will go to achieve their dreams. Drawing inspiration from the writings of William Faulkner, the production unfolds the harrowing reality of four students who have survived the grueling process from an initial group of 16. These characters find themselves trapped in a continuous cycle of training exercises, driven by an insatiable ambition and the controlling presence of their director, who communicates live instructions through earpieces.

Exploring the Dark Side of Artistic Pursuit

The play’s concept is rooted in the philosophical themes of Faust, Goethe’s classic tale of a man who trades his soul for knowledge and power. The narrative structure of Yfel is intentionally fluid, allowing scenes to shift dynamically, creating an immersive experience for the audience. The performers navigate both pre-recorded and live instructions, leading to a unique performance each night.

Grigor, who has a background in drama education, notes the absurdity inherent in performing arts training. “A lot of it is deliberately silly,” she says, reflecting on the bizarre exercises encountered in drama schools. McKenzie adds that the play captures the intense and often cult-like atmosphere that can arise in artistic training environments. “There’s a whole school of theatre training built on breaking people down,” he explains.

The production not only critiques the ego-driven nature of the arts but also interrogates how ambition and desperation can lead to self-destruction. The dynamics between the cast members echo this theme, as they oscillate between sincerity and parody, vulnerability and bravado.

Innovative Techniques for Live Performance

The rehearsal process for Yfel has involved extensive improvisation, which has been recorded and edited to create a rhythm that includes the audience as part of the experience. The use of live direction is a technique that Pan Pan has honed over the years, enhancing the spontaneity of performances. “We’re fed lines and instructions in our ears,” explains actress Faith Jones, highlighting the challenges and excitement of this approach.

The play’s exploration of artistic ambition provides a backdrop for deeper questions about the nature of art itself. Grigor emphasizes, “Theatre lets you sit inside the blur of ‘What, actually, is art?’” She believes that while art can be entertaining, it also has the potential to provoke critical thinking and help audiences navigate complex societal systems.

With its ambitious themes and innovative performance techniques, Yfel promises to be a thought-provoking experience. The production invites audiences to reflect on the sacrifices artists make in their pursuit of greatness, blending humor with a critical examination of the artistic journey.

The play will run until December 13, 2025, offering Dublin audiences a chance to engage with a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.