“Portia Coughlan,” Irish playwright Marina Carr’s 1996 drama, which is receiving its local premiere courtesy of Solas Nua, is a ghost story with a twist. It is a twist, however, that will be eminently recognizable to anyone familiar with Henry James’ “The Turn of the Screw,” which is to say that it is open to interpretation whether the title character is actually being tormented by a malevolent spirit or whether it is a figment of her imagination.

Portia Coughlan (Linda Murray), is a frustrated, neurotic woman who lives in a small Irish village with her husband, Raphael (Jonathon Church), the wealthiest man in town, and their three sons, trying to make it through a particularly melancholy 30th birthday. Despite the love and support offered by her friends and family, Portia’s continued dwelling on the drowning death of her twin brother, Gabriel (Camille Loomis), 15 years earlier threatens to turn into a deadly obsession.

As the synopsis above indicates, “Portia Coughlan” isn’t exactly a load of laughs, but as an intense and (literally) haunting melodrama, it succeeds beautifully, especially in the second act, which features some shocking revelations that shall not be spoiled here.

Under Jessica Burgess’ creative, sensitive direction, this production has much to recommend it, not the least of which is the long-awaited return of Murray, Solas Nua’s co-founder and artistic director, to the boards for the first time since “Bedbound” almost two years ago. Murray and her fellow actors all do a superlative job of balancing the emotional and psychological demands of the script with the deliberately unrealistic, lyrical aspects of Carr’s dialogue.

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The show is also a technical joy to behold, thanks to the invaluable contributions of Paul Frydrychowski’s lighting, Marie-Audrey Desy’s set and Chris Pifer’s sound designs.

“Portia Coughlan” is Solas Nua’s second presentation of Carr’s work, having first performed her play “The Mai” two seasons ago. It may be too depressing for some audiences, but those theater patrons in search of something unique and challenging will find it an amply rewarding experience.

‘Portia Coughlan’

Solas Nua’s production runs through April 6

» Performances: The H Street Playhouse, 1365 H St. NE

» Performances: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays

» Tickets: $20

» More info: 800-494-TIXS