The Dolldrums: A Gripping Exploration of Identity and Acceptance

The Dolldrums, a striking new play by Liath Hannon, is captivating audiences at the Jaxbanded Theatre in Dublin. The production delves into the complex life of a transgender girl named Lily, who navigates the challenges of acceptance and identity against a backdrop of dark humor and poignant moments.

Set in the late 1990s, the narrative follows Lily as she is sent to an adventure camp in the coastal southeast of Ireland. Here, she forges friendships while bonding over pop culture references, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer and rehearsing a talent-show performance of Britney Spears’s iconic hit “…Baby One More Time.” Lily, portrayed with remarkable depth by Hannon, uses humor as a coping mechanism, masking her desperation for acceptance.

As the play unfolds, Lily’s experiences reflect the stylistic elements of film noir, artfully directed by Ois O’Donoghue. One of the standout scenes features Lily’s encounter with a rugby player, highlighting her ability to turn painful moments into humor. During a particularly awkward intimate moment, her internal voice questions, “When is he going to say he loves you?” This commentary exposes the contrast between her external bravado and inner vulnerability.

The narrative takes a darker turn when Lily seeks medical support for gender-affirming surgery. The hesitance of the medical professional, played by Ruairí Nicholl, adds a layer of tension, illustrating the challenges many transgender individuals face in accessing affirming care. As Lily navigates her identity, she grapples with the societal expectations surrounding gender, leading her to “live stealth” when she moves to Glasgow for drama school.

Lily’s decision to conceal her transgender identity in a new relationship reveals the industry’s harsh realities. “Nobody will cast me,” she confides, reflecting the discrimination that still exists in the entertainment world. As she finds solace in a loving relationship filled with film nights featuring directors like Richard Linklater and Jean-Luc Godard, her peace is shattered by an online campaign attempting to out her, underscoring the precariousness of her situation.

The latter part of the play explores Lily’s tumultuous escape to Paris, where she confronts a cycle of abuse and addiction. In a moment of defiance, she uses her identity as a weapon against a brutal boyfriend, declaring, “I told him to embarrass him. Then he left. But he came back … with a ring!” This narrative arc showcases the complexity of her character and the struggles faced by many in the transgender community.

Hannon’s performance is both casual and impactful, at times so subtle that it risks being overlooked. Yet, the coherence of Lily’s journey resonates deeply, particularly when her inner voice asserts, “We’ve known who we are. We wouldn’t have gotten this far if we didn’t.”

The Dolldrums is running at Smock Alley in Dublin until November 8, 2025. This play not only entertains but also fosters a deeper understanding of the intersection of identity, acceptance, and the harsh realities many face in their pursuit of authenticity.