The Weir Berkshire Theatre Group in Stockbridge Written by Conor McPherson, directed by Eric Hill “It’s the principle of the thing.” “The Weir” refers to a hydroelectric dam, built on a local waterway near the pub where this play is set. The dam has only a brief reference to the water pressure in the bar.
But it is the word itself, with its sound, so close to the word weird, that makes a difference. Three older Irishmen who congregate in the pub tell a newcomer ghost stories about the house she has moved into and about their own experiences with the weird aspects of their lives. Their openness allows her to tell her own “weird” story, about her daughter’s death and her marriage.
The stories are all interesting and illuminating about the men themselves. Brendan, the barkeep, doesn’t have much to add, but his calming presence signals hope and possibility in the future life of Valerie, the newcomer. The play is oddly romantic and basically a means to tell stories that might not otherwise figure into a play.
While the play’s action is rather static, its emotional impact steadily grows through Valerie’s personal story, after which it slowly slides into an oblivion that is startling. Finbar’s (Harry Smith) second and more personal tale is anticlimactic, though the actor tells it well. Eric Hill’s direction of the play keeps it commonplace and ordinary, denying Valerie (Stephanie Jean Lane) the difficulty in relating her truly emotional story.
This should b.