Michael returns from America to Ireland for a long-awaited reunion with his drinking companions.  Over a long evening in the White House bar, their individual illusions and disappointments are ruthlessly exposed. 

"ensemble acting, beautifully shaped" - Middlesex News 

"the performances are so relaxed and without artifice, you'll be tempted to join the conversation" - Boston Herald 

"lovely ensemble work and scrupulous attention to detail, both material and spiritual" - Aisle Say on the Internet

Winner - Best Ensemble Production of 1998 - Independent Reviewers of New England
 

Asylum, Asylum! by Donal O'Kelly
November 1998 
Directed by Carmel O'Reilly
American premiere
Cast:  Chris Burke, Jerry Flynn, Celeste McClain, Michael Nurse, Douglas Rainey

Donal O'Kelly's political and timely play, Asylum! Asylum!, a powerful polemic of great dramatic intensity.

Donal O'Kelly explores the mysteries and horrors of Irish asylum law (or the lack of it).  With humor, compassion, and anger, he presents the plight of an illegal African immigrant. A powerful polemic of great dramatic intensity. 

"sensitive staging and fluid pacing emphasize the personal … (and) that the abstract often becomes vivid and engrossing is a tribute to the ensemble" - The Boston Globe 

During the run of this play Amnesty International and the Súgán collaborated to present the New England premiere of the documentary Soldier Child which deals with the abduction of children in Northern Uganda who are forced into service as child soldiers. 
 

At the Black Pig's Dyke by Vincent Woods
March - April 1999
Directed by Carmel O'Reilly
New England premiere
Cast:  Ciaran Crawford, Irene Daly, Deirdre Lenihan, Maureen Lenihan, Billy Meleady, Carmel O'Reilly, Sid Quilty, Douglas Rainey, George Saulnier, Karen Woodward

Hailed by critics in Ireland, Australia and Britain as "a magnificent piece of total theatre", "a masterpiece" and as "reinventing the very categories of Irish theatre", At the Black Pig's Dyke uses traditional folk theatre as a powerful storytelling metaphor to explore the wounded heart of Ireland.  Through a thrilling mix of music, dance, song and rhyming, the play weaves between past and present generations to tell the struggles and hopes of a family torn apart by sectarian violence and tribal hatred.

"stunning ghost/memory play about the troubles …accomplished, well-directed production … Súgán's strawboys, with their huge conical tops and colored ribbons will give you the willies, and the acting will send chills down your spine … the Súgán Theatre Company has done itself, and us, a favor by snagging the area premiere" - The Boston Phoenix 
(read the March 1999 Phoenix review in full)

"absorbing … effectively moody and features some sharp portraiture" - The Boston Globe 

"Superb… fascinating production that takes us into emotional territory that theater too rarely approaches" - Metrowest Daily News 

"Súgán Theatre Company has secured a coup in obtaining Woods' provocative dream-play ... the cast is as skilled a group as Súgán has ever fielded" - The Boston Herald 
 
 

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