Blog-cetera
Crackskull Row
“The Irish Repertory Theatre recently - in February and March - gave us a renewed presentation in the form of a starkly honest portrayal of morality's most concerning, most taboo of all taboos. (Can't tell 'ya here). Written with a fearless hand by Honor Molloy and very nicely staged by its director, Kira Simring, "Crackskull Road" captivates our own scarred humanity - as collectively represented by the characters herein, namely Masher Moorigan the mother (Terry Donnelly), Young Rash/ESB Boy (John Charles McLaughlin), Rasher/Basher (Colin Lane), and Dolly/Wee Dolly (Gina Costigan). A main idea from this (app. 75 minutes) story is the unkempt, jarred memory of past ill-deeds among family. It is a dark past full of unwanted, sad fury and in its carefully tapered way, transmits its nightmarish tale to us audience members. Watching it all unfold, I got the sudden impression that we were all eavesdropping in some unexpected manner. The crumbling, haunting, decrepit appearance of this shack-like house, with its entry to the front of the premises, is set literally at the end of the last millennium's May Eve (1999). The secret of the awful doings that once transpired here becomes the riding explanation as to why these hapless human beings are doomed. They (mother Masher and son Rash - as well as "young" Rash -, and even daughter Dolly, who in a Masher-induced hallucination, dramatically enters the house from a rotted chimney) - are all knotted together by rage and shame (mother and son the more so). Living peacefully and happily for even a minute shall always remain far, far out of reach. But the acting reaches out to the audience in an intriguing way. Terry Donnelly is top-notch, as she navigates her character's strange blend of horror for all of us to witness. Donnelly uses each second of her stage time with smart perfection. It is difficult to take our eyes off her. The rest of the cast, including Colin Lane who shines as Rash, easily acquits itself with impressive skill.”- Kevin Martin