Steve Blount delivers a captivating performance. Photo Credit: Pat Redmond

Bogboy is a new play directed by Jo Mangan and written by the award-winning playwright Deidre Kinahan.  Set in Ireland,   Bogboy is fueled by Brigit, a mother and a recovering heroin addict, who, while hitchhiking befriends an old secluded countryman by the name of Hughie.  This unlikely relationship creates dependent bonds, which undermine the characters hopes of moving forward.  Things are looking up until a disturbing event, which occurred years ago in the bog behind Brigit’s home, begins to surface creating a dilemma for both Brigit and Hughie. Their problems may seem provincial at first but the issues are universal.

In this U.S. Premiere performance of the show all of four of the actors (Steve Blount, Noelle Brown, Sorcha Fox and Emmet Kirwan) are compelling and depict their characters believably.  Steve Blount as Hughie is especially remarkable.  He is the most convincing character and his regional responses are bland yet add humor to the show.  Simply put, it is well done.  From the minute the performance begins until the end of the show the audience is captivated.

The layers of gauze curtains were simple, yet intricately appropriate for the bare set design in the confines of a small stage space of  The Donaghy Theatre at the Irish Arts Center.  The pulsating music and theatrical fog brought intensity to the production.  The actors speak directly to the audience giving the theatergoer a feeling as though they are listening from the other character’s point of view — that we are the ones the character is talking to.  This unusual technique throughout the play is chancy, but works effectively.

Check outHigh 5’s ticket calendar to pick up tickets to Bogboy on September 17th, and possible other dates.  The show runs at IAC through September 25.

Below, writer Deirdre Kinahan discusses the show: