Two gravediggers are the central characters in this very Irish play. Mick is middle aged, and unflappable. Mairtin’s barely 20, and cocky. He holds a skull in his hands, for the first time, and marvels.

 

(excerpt from play)

 

But then they’re told to unearth a very special grave.

 

(excerpt from play)

 

That’s the crux of this play – rumors that have followed Mick, that he killed his wife and covered it up, faking a car accident. This play is fascinating because of it’s stark contrasts. There are ribald jokes wrapped around what could be murder, and hilarious physical comedy involving human bones. There’s also tart language, things we can’t say on the radio, alongside devout Catholicism. “A Skull in Connemara” is funny, often naughty, and sometimes shocking. Above all, it’s very well done.

 

"A Skull In Connemara" plays at the B Street Theatre through November 18th.