'In a good play every speech should be as fully flavored as a nut or apple.'
J. M. Synge, Irish Poet, Dramatist
There are several tasty speeches in Conor McPherson’s The Seafarer, and the cast of the Performance Network Theatre’s current production knows how to serve them up.
Before a single word is heard, however, the set and lighting speak volumes. This Irish home has seen better days. Chairs are knocked over, beer bottles, whiskey glasses and garbage are strewn everywhere. Something has the carpeting in a bunch (it’s Richard, sleeping where he’s passed out). And tea towels pinned up over the windows scarcely keep out the late morning sunlight.
As we look closer, we see old family photos still hung above the mantle, and a few surviving artifacts from some distant family life. A small crèche and, in the corner, a shabby little artificial tree, suggest that it’s Christmas time.
Most telling, though, is the standard-issue portrait of The Sacred Heart of Jesus, ubiquitous in Irish Catholic homes, with its little red vigil light in front. This icon is a representation of His divine love for Humanity, and the fact that its light is on the fritz is NOT a good omen.
This dark comedy is one of the finest examples of Irish storytelling, and the story is the oldest in human history – the story of light vs. dark, of salvation vs. damnation, of heaven vs. hell.
It’s worth noting that in this play, much of which takes place during a drunken Christmas Eve poker game, evil clearly has the upper hand.
The entire company – Director Malcolm Tulip, cast and crew – is to be congratulated on a masterful production. Aaron H. Alpern as Sharky and Richard McWilliams as Mr. Lockhart show brilliant restraint in their handling of this juicy material. Instead of chewing up the furniture, they toss out their lines like so much bird seed, and soon have the audience virtually eating out of their hands. Hugh Maguire is convincing and somehow beguiling as Richard, Sharky’s blind, drunken, bullying brother. And Keith Allan Kalinowski as Ivan and Joel Mitchell as Nicky are exactly as they should be – hapless characters, seemingly there by happenstance, both oblivious to the critical roles they play in the unfolding drama.
The show runs through July 18; make an effort to see it.
For more information, or to reserve tickets, visit the website, call the Performance Network Box Office at 734-663-0681, or stop by the theatre at 120 East Huron St., Ann Arbor, 48104, Monday-Saturday 11-6 or one hour before a performance. Tickets are priced at $22 - $41, with discounts available for seniors, members, students and groups.
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