Aristocrats

The Irish Repertory Theatre presents Brian Friel’s Aristocrats, a touching story of a once powerful and aristocratic family in its days of decline. In the author’s most Chekovian play, he examines the Ballybeg “Big House” both in its remembered Heyday and in the era of a heartbreaking social change. Dark memories invade the family gathered for the wedding of the youngest sister as the family tries to escape the seriousness of their situation and the difficult life that awaits each of them as they follow separate paths. Glorious Chopin melodies accompany the memories of the past and the realities of the present as the language flirts with lyricism and skepticism that Friel balances with his particular genius.