Photographs by Michael Gottlieb

The Irish Repertory Theatre, founded by Charlotte Moore and Ciaran O’Reilly is a remarkable off-Broadway theatre institution.

Of course, Tony Walton introduced me. Last year, together we did his production of Shaw’s CANDIDA.

Brian Friel’s play MOLLY SWEENEY opened there on January 30th. Directed by Charlotte and designed by James Morgan, lighting was by Michael Gottlieb and me.

It is a haunting theatrical experience. Three overlapping monologues spin the story of a woman who regains her sight after 40 years of darkness.

“A deeply moving meditation on hope, change and despair, it’s a compelling piece of theater.” writes Ken Jaworoski, New York Times.

“To see "Molly Sweeney" in the Irish Rep''s modest, cozy little theater is to feel the inestimable privilege of keeping the closest possible company with a veritable wizard of storytelling, seen here at the height of his singular powers.” Terry Teachout, Wall Street Journal. I’m happy to say that Mr Teacher went on to say: “. . . lit with discreet perfection by Richard Pilbrow and Michael Gottlieb.”

It remains a fascination for me, how such theatrical magic can be spun in such a tiny space with such modest resources. It is perhaps the smallest theatre I’ve worked in since my teenage years . . . which were some time ago.

As usual—for the lighting afficianado— to speed the production process along, Michael and I used Virtual Magic Sheet.