Around the World With Irish Rep

By Justin Sondak in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 22, 2006 10:00PM

Irish Repertory of Chicago reminds us that there’s much more to the Emerald Isle than Guinness and cereal-chomping cartoon characters. The Irish and their American descendents gave the world some of its finest playwrights and literary figures, from Pulitzer Prize winners to brilliant contemporary writers deserving wider exposure. This week the company imports Donal O’Kelly, an actor-playwright in the latter category who probably wouldn’t mind joining the former, in a very limited engagement at Columbia College.

O’Kelly’s Catalpa recounts the harrowing tale of Merchant Sea Captain George Anthony through frustrated screenwriter Matthew Kidd. Under the guise of a whaling expedition, Anthony sailed to Australia to rescue Irish political prisoners. O’Kelly, as the writer, portrays every character in this epic journey, relating a tale of loyalty and incredible bravery in the hopes of winning your heart and a big Hollywood payday. Catalpa was the toast of the Edinburgh Fringe Fest and has since played to great acclaim in Europe and Australia. This weekend Chicago gets to see what it’s been missing.

Catalpa, presented by Irish Rep of Chicago, plays tonight through Sunday at the Getz Theatre, 72 E. 11th Street, Chicago. Tickets are $32-36. More information at www.irishrep.com.