Flying Blind

Synopsis

A claustrophobic Belfast flat, present day. The rhythms of bebop jazz clash with the discordant notes of post-Troubles anxiety.

Dan Poots has retreated from the world, finding solace in the frenetic compositions of jazz legend Charlie Parker. His self-imposed isolation is disrupted when two nervous gas men arrive to check the heating, their presence a jarring reminder of the lingering tensions in Belfast society. Meanwhile, Dan’s wife navigates her own form of escapism through their daughter’s dance classes.

Morrison’s play is a darkly comedic exploration of post-conflict malaise and the struggle for normalcy in a city still haunted by its past. Through the claustrophobic setting of Dan’s flat, the playwright examines themes of personal isolation versus societal reconnection, and the often absurd contrast between mundane daily life and the ever-present potential for chaos.

The use of Charlie Parker’s music serves as both counterpoint and commentary to the action, its improvisational nature mirroring the characters’ attempts to navigate their uncertain world. As the gas men’s visit threatens to upset Dan’s carefully constructed sanctuary, the play builds tension between the desire for stability and the inexorable pull of outside forces.