‘Observe the Sons’ explores disillusion with war, bond of brotherhood in World War I
By Richard Koppenaal / Staff Writer
September 3, 2014
For soldiers at war, the destructive forces that cause them to take arms often prove to be the glue that forms the strongest bonds.“Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme,” written by Frank McGuinness and the latest production of the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre, tells the stor...
‘Woman and Scarecrow’ looks for humor in the end times
By Richard Koppenaal / Staff Writer
July 8, 2014
In what would seem an unlikely setting for a comedy, “Woman and Scarecrow,” the latest production from the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre, tells the humorous story of a woman on her deathbed — if there is such a thing.The play, written by Marina Carr and directed by Alan Stanford, premie...
‘Waiting for Godot’ aims for humor over easy answers
By Richard Koppenaal / Staff Writer
June 3, 2014
While preparing for their performance of “Waiting for Godot,” director Aoife Spillane-Hinks and her cast often found that the best judge of quality was a 5 year old — the brother of a young actor in the play.“He’s the test,” Spillane-Hinks said. “And if a 4- or 5-year-old can laugh, then you know you’ve got it. We’ll be runnin...
‘A Skull in Connemara’ displays west Ireland’s dark humor
By Vincent Smith / Staff Writer
September 12, 2013
There are parts of western Ireland that are stunningly beautiful, attracting the attention of tourists from around the world. Connemara is one of those exquisitely mystifying areas. But for the year-round residents of such a place — where economic opportunities are scarce and the granite-riddled la...