‘Da,’ an old-fashioned Irish nickname for a father, comparable to ‘Daddy’ or ‘Pops.’ is also the title of a theater play written by Hugh Leonard in 1978. Back then it was performed on Broadway and it won four Tony awards, including one for ‘Best Play.’
Da is the story of Charlie, an Irishman who migrated to London but finds himself back home upon the death of his adoptive father. In the course of caring for the necessary arrangements and attending to the house of his youth, Charlie is faced by the ghosts of his parents and his own memories. The beauty of the play, which is mostly autobiographical, is the way Leonard reveals the intricacies of his own relationship with his parents - the desire to forget them while fighting the guilt of feeling it, the love that aging memories manage to awaken, and the realization that one’s past is perhaps forever present.
Perfectly coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day, the production of Da at the Sierra Madre Playhouse is directed by Bill Mesnik and includes the performance of actor David Doty, a well seasoned actor, even on Broadway. It is an inspiring story, quite entertaining and humorous, especially once the ear gets used to the accents.
Da is now playing Friday through Sunday and until April 17. Tickets range between $12 and $20 and can be pre-purchased at http://www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
Austin Grehan (l.), and Rees Pugh on 'Da' - John Johnson photo
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