Bridget Ori and Sean Irvine in The Irish Pub Play | Photo by Nate Colitto

Director Ziggy Schulting’s program note tells us—despite what we may have read to the contrary, despite all the references and colourful slang—The Irish Pub Play isn’t about Ireland. And, yes, it is more expansively human than than that; but make no mistake, the Irish vibes are crucial here. Grounded by Sophie Ann Rooney’s playfully evocative production design—featuring a Celtic cross, roughhewn bar and an entire wall of framed Guinness portraits—abundant pub culture permeates The King Black Box space. “The Troubles,” though never dwelt upon explicitly, figure prominently into the Ó Súilleabháin sisters’ family history. And those accents are as thick and heavy, Lord Jesus, as the gloriously earthy sweaters! Continue Reading