The Black and Tans were a well-paid,
voluntary military force brought into Ireland by the British government in 1920 to crush the Irish
Republican Army (IRA) in their war of independence. Composed of WW1 veterans, hoodlums,
and even ex-convicts, they became infamous for their murderous attacks on
civilians and civilian property.
In this play, set in Philadelphia in 1957,
that cruel history collides when an ex-IRA father meets his traitorous son and
the battle lines are drawn. Author John Fazakerley’s engrossing play goes far
deeper than a mere family saga, showing that the wounds of a vicious past still
bleed and for some there can never be forgiveness. 
Under Wilson Milam’s masterful
direction these events cover a few impactful days in 1957 when a naïve younger
brother attempts to bring closure to a family rift. Nick Tate is unforgettable
as the wily patriarch still seeking justice, and matching him in intensity is
Andrew Connolly as the prodigal son.
Rebecca Tilney is dynamic as a fiery
patriot; Josh Clark is a jaded realist; Kevin P. Kearns and Belen Greene are a
couple divided by righteous anger; John Ruby, Natalie Britton and young Jonah
Beres are a family rent apart by their own and others pain.
Produced by Racquel
Lehrman of Theatre Planners. Graphic basement set by Joel Daavid, is lit by
Leigh Allen with sound by Cricket S. Myers. Pertinent ‘50’s costumes by Jackie
Gudgel.
Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda
Blvd., West Los Angeles, through May 3. Tickets: (323) 960-5770 or www.plays411.com/corktown.
Photos by Ed Krieger.
Note: My feisty Dublin grandmother,
Kathleen Merne, was an IRA member as a young girl and from her I learned of Black
and Tans atrocities that never made the history books.
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