Rubicon features Irish playwrights





Rubicon Theatre Company is presenting two award-winning plays by modern Irish playwrights performing in rotation. “Belfast Blues” is written and performed by Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and Ovation Award-winner Geraldine Hughes and directed by Carol Kane. “The Good Thief,” written by Conor McPherson and directed by Judy Hegarty-Lovett of the Garet St. Lazare Players in Paris, stars Irish actor Conor Lovett.

“Belfast Blues” continues through Wed., Sept. 13, and “The Good Thief” continues through Sun., Sept. 17. The productions run in rotation. All performances are at Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. For the shows’ schedules and ticket pricing call (805) 667-2900.

Set in Belfast in the 1970s and 1980s, “Belfast Blues” is one girl’s story of family, war, Jesus and Hollywood. Both funny and tragic, this touching piece is a rich tapestry of war-torn Belfast, woven together through the voices of more than 20 colorful characters, ranging from Hughes’ parents and neighbors to her younger self.

“The Good Thief” is “an hour, an actor, a harsh tale told quietly,” according to New York Times critic Ben Brantley. “It turns out to be an abundance!”

McPherson has drawn a darkly-dramatic, soul-stirring portrait of a nameless, moral-less Dublin thug struggling for some kind of patched-together salvation. When he is sent to frighten a family, he becomes caught between two small-time crime bosses and ends up involved in kidnap and murder. But he develops a rapport with his victims which leads to a moment of epiphany.

Both productions contain strong language that may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

“We are delighted to present these two very different perspectives on life in Ireland in repertory with two remarkable actors. We know they will offer tour-deforce performances that will thrill our subscribers and our audiences,” said Rubicon Theatre Company’s producing artistic director Karyl Lynn Burns.


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