"You'd see nicer eyes on a goat"

Tonight, I saw a play at Town Hall Theatre. The play was The Cripple of Inishmaan and we had tickets through NUIG. The characters were colorful Irish people and it was very funny at times. The banter was reminiscent of Waking Ned Devine so I loved that part of it. It was a little sad at some parts too. The story takes place on one of the Aran Islands (Inishmaan). The villagers get news that a movie director from America has come to the biggest of the Aran Islands (Inishmore) to cast a new movie. Many people want to travel to Inishmore to land a part or at least get to meet the American director. Among them is the crippled boy, Billy, who lives with his "fake aunties." Much of the darkish humor comes from people making cracks at Billy which is both funny and heartbreaking at the same time. The title of this post is a line said about Billy by one of his fake aunties. It's mean, but not mean spirited. Everybody likes Billy even if they make fun of him.

There are lots of Irish antics, including many broken eggs, references to the town slut, and lots and lots of whiskey drinking. While it was very funny and charming, it was also quite disturbing at parts and overall not what I was expecting. It was good though and I recommend reading it, although I think it is much different to see on stage (as with anything).

Before the play started, we had a chance to go to a pre-show talk about The Cripple of Inishmaan and the playwright. It was informative, but for me it gave a bit too much of the play away. We had about an hour to kill between the talk and the beginning of the play, so Molly and I explored a little bit around the theatre. We found a new Euro 2 store (the dollar store of Ireland!) and got some ice cream at the Supermac's (the Irish McDonalds, although there is still a McDonalds in town).


Euro 2 has a lot to offer in the candy department. 5 candy bars for 2 euro?! Sign me up.


Ah, Supermac's. I have yet to try anything but the ice cream, but I hear the fries are a real treat. They make them with all sorts of sauce on them, flavors include taco and garlic. I think a trip to Supermac's for lunch is in my near future.


Here I am taking a picture of myself outside the Town Hall Theatre. I was very excited because I love plays and I love Ireland, so it stands to reason that I would love a play about Ireland.