Breaking the theatre walls down.

Jericho is a show about life, which is a pretty big topic. It also has the backdrop of professional wrestling, which is another pretty big topic. Not as big as life maybe, but still…

So what is Jericho about? Well, my interpretation is that it’s a play about the power of words and beliefs, and the pursuit of your own voice amongst the midst of many, many others.

Jericho, of course, alludes to the professional wrestler Chris Jericho, one of the best wrestlers in the world – particularly when it comes to the microphone.

Jericho also references the ancient city and one of the first recorded cities to have walls (Walls of Jericho, bringing back to the wrestling), which meant they can keep whoever they wanted out.

The ideas of speech, freedom of it, and the importance of what we say stem from this seemingly unrelated backdrop, and Jericho incorporates these ideas so, so well.

As a wrestling fan, I was intrigued as to how they would link the crazy world of wrestling (particularly as they reference some of the lower points such as the Katie Vick storyline) and ideas of journalism and freedom of speech. But they execute this magnificently.

They also link the ideas of ‘real’ and ‘fake’ that are existent in both the worlds of wrestling and journalism. Whether it be realness of a story, or if a wrestler gets hurt, or the anger that fans feel at a decision, or the ‘fake’ aspects, whether be the crazy world that pro-wrestling exists, or the shallow, artificial environment naïve online magazines build around us.

To further the wrestling ties, Jericho also delves into how we battle with often arrogant and bigoted opinions (obviously provided by the heels) and how we as individuals thrive on the approval of others and, like any pure babyface, seeing someone unpopular shot down in a chorus a boos. Before ultimately the crowd turns on each of us, when we exhibit an opinion that doesn’t gel completely with their own.

Credit: Carla Rogers

Even if you are not a wrestling fan, the way they simply explain the technical jargon, including a short montage video, is very helpful in elaborating that world.

It’s not all just wrestling references however, as it sheds light on free speech, the recent overturning of abortion laws in Ireland and the shallowness of journalistic institutions who would rather do a top ten list than something meaningful.

A lot of lines captured my imagination during the play, notably a scene discussing whether if journalism itself is art form, really struck home with me.

Even writing this piece, I wonder whether this makes any difference or indeed if my skill as a journalist and writer will even impact upon any person.

In summary Jericho is good; the acting and direction was superb, it is thought-provoking and leaves you asking questions about who you are.

It may not have the roar of a crowd of a wrestling, or indeed a lack “Two…. Sweeet” chants. But it certainly leaves you wanting you more, and is certainly awesome.