Pain, rain, and rhyme: the role of rhythm in Stefanie Preissner’s work

This chapter explores the role of rhyme in the work of a young Irish writer and actor Stefanie Preissner. The focus on the two productions performed during ABSOLUT Fringe Festival 2011 and 2012: 'Our Father' (a nominee for the ABSOLUT Fringe Awards 2011) and 'Solpadeine is My Boyfriend'. The former, directed by Tara Derrington, was written and performed by Preissner in rhymed verse. The latter, directed by Gina Moxley, was written and presented by Preissner in the mixture of rhymed verse and rhymed and unrhymed prose. Through the combination of prosodic and performance analyses, this chapter shows how the use of rhymes facilitates Preissner’s exploration of individuals facing difficult changes. In particular, I focus on Preissner’s performance of rhymes as an escape and her use of rhymes as an expression of pain. In both 'Our Father' and 'Solpadeine' Preissner uses rhymes as a tool to engage her audiences in explorating their own reaction to change. She also 'invites' them to face the pain and fear connected to change. At the same time this chapter explores the links between the theme of change and Preissner’s use of rhymes and elements of autobiography to complicate her own identity during the performances. This, as I argue, allows the audience to engage with her productions on multiple levels. The interview with Preissner that this chapter is accompanied by sheds further light on her work.