Theatre review: 'The Field' and 'War' at Theatre Banshee
A quiz for Los Angeles theatergoers:
Question: Where can you see a lot of Irish chancers fighting over turf?
Answer: At “The Field” and “War,” playing in repertory at Theatre Banshee in Burbank.
Q: Which one is the drama and which is the comedy?
A: Technically, “The Field,” by John B. Keane, is more serious than “War,” by Roddy Doyle. Both feature rowdy men who throw a punch to get what they want. Both are set in pubs. And both feature people saying "Jaysus" and "eijet" a lot.
Q: The film version of “The Field” starred which Academy Award-nominated actor?
A: Richard Harris, who lost out to Jeremy Irons for “Reversal of Fortune.” The story plays better live.
Q: What do John B. Keane’s characters have in common with the opening scenes of “The Social Network”?
Q: Which filmmaker recently remarked that there were no positive role models for fathers in the whole of Irish literature?
A: Jim Sheridan, director of “The Field.”
Q: Which novel by Roddy Doyle was later adapted into a successful indie film?
A: “The Commitments.” There’s less dancing and more trivia in “War.”
Q: What is the plot of “War”?
A: There really isn’t one. The play is set during a quiz night at the local pub, where George, an unemployed father, desperately needs a victory in his life.
Q: The whole play is just trivia questions?
A: No, there are some fights and flirting.
Q: Should I see both plays or just one?
A: “The Field” is like the first Guinness of the night — stout and simple. “War” is after you get sloppy and start saying things you’ll regret.
Q: How would I do on George’s trivia team?
A: That depends on whether you know the name of the lead singer of A-ha.
Q: You mean that Norwegian band from the '80s with the MTV video of the guy trapped in a black-and-white cartoon?
A: Bet you miss John Hughes too.
Q: What is the secret to the Sean Branney's assured direction?
A: The brownies at intermission.
-- Charlotte Stoudt
“The Field” and “War,” Theatre Banshee, 3435 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Visit website for detailed performance schedule. Ends Dec. 12. $20 apiece. (818) 846-5323 or www.theatrebanshee.org. Running time for each play approximately 2 hours, 15 minutes.
Photos: From left, Donald Agnelli, Tim Cummings and Kevin Stidham in "War" and, below, McKerrin Kelly in "The Field." Credit: David Robertson.
These shows are not to be missed and especially enjoyable when viewed back to back (on Saturdays you can see one in the afternoon have a dinner break and see the second show in the evening)
Incredible performances all around, particularly that of Barry Lynch, (in John B. Keanes The Field) whose passionate bully of a tenant farmer, Bull McCabe still posesses vulnerability even as his consuming anger pushes him into darkness. The entire ensemble of The Field create strong, compelling characters whose ability to live their personal convictions are increasingly threatened by McCabe's actions.
Roddy Doyle's comedy War, playing in rep with The Field contains just as much passion and anger, but is well layered with laughter. Friendships are forged, alliances broken and salty epithets are exchanged as a competitive pub quiz brings out the best and worst in everyone. The actors create an atmosphere so real, intense and enjoyable, that the audience feels included in the action. Amazing ensemble work by the company-you'll want to return to focus on the characters you missed the first time!
Posted by: Karen | November 03, 2010 at 01:22 PM