Theater Review: ‘Port Authority’

The Irish Repertory Theatre is presenting a revival of Conor McPherson’s 2001 “Port Authority.”
Theater Review: ‘Port Authority’
(L–R) James Russell, Peter Maloney, and Billy Carter play Dublin men at various stages of life in Irish Repertory Theatre’s revival of “Port Authority.” Carol Rosegg
Updated:

NEW YORK—Presenting at the DR2 Theatre while its home base on 22nd St. is undergoing renovation, the Irish Repertory Theatre is presenting a revival of Conor McPherson’s 2001 Port Authority. Set in present-day Dublin, the play is ageless, featuring as it does three average Dublin men.

The men of varying ages, young, middle-aged, and elderly, sit on a long, dull bench, such as is placed in any sort of public waiting room. They pay no attention to each other, and it is apparent that they do not know one another.

Article Quote: Theater Review: 'Port Authority'

One by one, they go downstage and directly address the audience, telling a small portion of their life stories at a time. There is nothing earth-shattering in any of it—just that certain fragments are sure to strike a note in some of us, at certain times.

The youngest, Kevin (James Russell), is apparently in his 20s. He has recently left his parental home to strike out on his own against his father’s better judgment. But Kevin is determined to show his dad that he can make it.

James Russell as a young man striking out on his own. (Carol Rosegg)
James Russell as a young man striking out on his own. Carol Rosegg
Diana Barth
Diana Barth
Author
Diana Barth writes for various theatrical publications and for New Millennium. She may be contacted at [email protected]
Related Topics