The Cripple of Inishmaan

Those of you educated in theater may write me off after this confession, but truth be told, I don't care for trying to wade through actor's accents in theater-especially Irish accents. I once saw Conor McPherson's "The Weir" in London with presumably real Irishmen, and didn't understand a word of it. I can even do without Shakespeare's old English.

Columbus State University's production of "The Cripple of Inishman" is largely understandable but it's a beautifully constructed and written play and it seems a shame to waste any of it. And I couldn't deconstruct some of it including at least one very important piece. Of course, the purpose of the University is to prepare the students and so I understand the need for them to develop an Irish brogue. Ironically, Kori Jackson's accent was probably both the best and the least understandable although when she slowed down toward the end it was easier to keep up.

Putting aside the accents, director Lawrence McDonald has given us a very well cast and tightly directed production of a very Irish play. The joy of the play is its multitude of well drawn characters, each of whom has a sympathetic identity that we can identify with.

Cripple Billy, played by Eddie Zaboroskie, sees an opportunity to escape a world where he is considered bad luck and the most interesting activity of the day is watching cows. It doesn't quite work out but when he returns the secrets of the community come out. Cripple Billy is a challenging part because he must stoically endure slights and insults that shock those of us that haven't lived a life with them and Eddie Zaboroskie never over reacts. His final scene with Kori Jackson's Helen is excruciating in its pathos.

Caroline Thrasher and Kimberly Belflower as Billy's two protective aunts are just right in their anguish over Billy's departure. Both students have turned in very different and excellent performances in other CSU productions and I'm always glad to see them cast. Director McDonald casting is one of the strong points of this production.

Cripple has been one of CSU's most popular productions selling out nearly every show. It's combination of humor, mystery, characters, and pathos make it a riveting evening and CSU has done the community a favor by bringing it to the stage.