NEW YORK—In his trilogy, just finishing at New York’s Irish Arts Center, writer-performer Mikel Murfi exposes the quirks of some of the residents of Sligo, Ireland, where life goes along quietly, without much drama. However, the performances indicate that there might be richer territory in these folks than previously thought.
As in the other two plays “The Man in the Woman’s Shoes ” and “The Mysterious Case of Kitsy Rainey,” the major players are Pat Farnon, a mute cobbler, and his beloved wife, the fiery Kitsy Rainey.
‘I Hear You and Rejoice’
“I Hear You ...” opens with mass being conducted by the priest. He extols the late Kitsy’s virtues, which are enthusiastically seconded by the large crowd. But they are sensitive to Pat’s grief, as he quietly mourns.Pat is reminded of a past experience, a both painful and tender event. Kitsy had just returned from a visit to the local doctor. He had made it clear to her, as tactfully as possible, that she had not long for this world. She expresses her pain and grief to Pat, a far departure from her usual feisty ways. She cries herself to sleep on Pat’s chest, as he murmurs sounds of tenderness.
As the play goes on it becomes apparent that Pat’s health too is failing. His eyesight is less clear, and he is becoming less of a social creature. More and more, he attempts to reach his beloved Kitsy, wherever she may have gone.
Nearly Poetry
Murfi’s skill is undeniable. His characters are specific, yet we can extrapolate from them to the universal. They are down to earth, yet there is sometimes a kind of poetry about them. Thus, the trilogy contains many elements to be found in various art forms. It is a unique theatrical experience.
The Irish Arts Center is to be commended for adding yet another feather to its cap in bringing the finest and most unique artistic projects to its halls.
