Shared stories of lifelong friends induce a new neighbor to reveal hidden sorrow

By Alix Cohen…

Like a French slice of life film, The Weir is a visit with village denizens who clearly had lives before and will continue after this narrative. It’s a remarkably restrained example of the Irish gift for storytelling. Little happens. This is not to say your attention will waver as acting and direction are top notch; fly-on-the-wall realistic.

Jack (Dan Butler) lets himself into the pub, turns on the lights, and pours a beer. The place is his second home. Brendan (Johnny Hopkins), owner/ bartender, follows from the attached house, where he lives. They resume conversation that probably began the night before- which way is the wind blowing (literally), how is Brendan faring with his sisters’ visit, what’s wrong with the Guinness tap?

John Keating (Jim), Dan Butler (Jack), Sean Gormley (Finbar)

Jim (John Keating) joins them with concerns about his mammie. The three are congenital bachelors. “I’ll have a small one (whiskey). Good man. Cheers. ‘Luck to you.” They drink–Guinness, ale, and whiskey- as if it were water, apparently none the worse for wear.

Finbar (Sean Gormley) a well heeled, married hotel owner of whom they’re a bit jealous and by whose pomposity they’re annoyed, shows up squiring the village’s newest resident, Valerie (Sarah Street.) The others are sarcastic about his showing her around as if an acquisition. Each perks up a bit when the attractive young woman arrives. Manners rise to the surface.

Why is former Dubliner Valerie taking up solitary occupancy in an isolated cottage? Inspired by eerie weather, the men tell stories of experiencing the unexplained. Valerie unexpectedly adds one of her own. She has joined the regulars.

The play is an old friend to habitués of Irish Repertory Theatre, including myself. This is its fourth incarnation. Dan Butler peppers conversation with well honed barbs and reveals Jack’s sensitive side with finesse. John Keating is beautifully low key. The actor could give lessons in listening. Sean Gormley’s Finbar has just enough ego to separate himself, but the performer keeps him likeable. All have repeatedly played these roles. Camaraderie is organic.

Dan Butler (Jack), Sean Gormley (Finbar), Johnny Hopkins (Brendan), Sarah Street (Valerie)

New to the cast are Johnny Hopkins as Brendan and Sarah Street as Valerie. Hopkins’ pub owner is admittedly less developed, but he could fill out his character more fully. Jimmy has less to say, but appears more solid. Sarah Street is simply wonderful. Nuanced emotion plays across her face. Every physical move is affected by feelings. She engenders sympathy.

Ciarán O’Reilly’s Direction is reliably excellent, use of silence masterful. Characters cogitate and/or push thoughts through alcohol as we wait on tenterhooks. Even the way drinks are handled reflects personality.

Charlie Corcoran’s set design is so good, one wants to pull up a stool. The establishment is rural, somewhat worn, probably dusty, and filled with small, descriptive details. Leon Dobkowski’s costume Design is both contemporary and timeless, as evoked by the location and working class players. Drew Levy’s storm (sound design) makes one shiver. Michael Gottlieb’s lighting is just right.

Sarah Street (Valerie), Dan Butler (Jack), Johnny Hopkins (Brendan)

Photos by Carol Rosegg
Opening: John Keating, Sean Gormley, Johnny Hopkins, Dan Butler, and Sarah Street

The Weir by Conor McPherson
Directed by Ciarán O’Reilly
Irish Repertory Theatre 132 West 22nd Street
Though August 31, 2025
https://irishrep.org/