The 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival went out with a bang, thanks to the closing-day production of Rory and the Devil, the playwriting and directing debut of David McElwee The New York-based McElwee has dipped deep into his Irish heritage to bring to life the denizens of a rural pub in Donegal, circa 1972. The timing is key, because that was when the “troubles” between north and south Ireland were at a fever pitch, with gun battles, bombings and fisticuffs creating a war-like atmosphere. With Donegal located firmly on the Republican side of the border, strangers were not exactly greeted with open arms at the pub, especially if they spoke with a British (hence Northern) accent. That’s exactly what happens when Tyee Tilghman (Robert Kincaid) shows up and admits to his background. Suspected of being a spy, he is given a hard time by the locals, who are led by Rua McNickle (Glenn Stanton), a powerful and militant lad. That Tyee and Rua also find themselves competing for the affections of a fetching gal, Mary (Jennifer Dakey), the daughter of Neil the publican (John Apicella), is another reason for them to ultimately face off. There is a second newcomer, an American named Colin Callaghan (Brennan Murphy), whose presence also ruffles the waters, though he is quick to point out that his family roots go deep into Donegal soil. Rounding out the cast is John Harnagel as the town drunk, Hugh McNickle—and Rua’s grandfather. A raffish old boozer, he spends half of the play with his head on the bar, only to spring up at a key moment to recite, in stirring, Shakespearean fashion, a beautiful and hallowed Irish poem. Rory and the Devil has many surprising and touching moments like that, but essentially it’s a play about secrets which are uncovered, one after the other, as the story unfolds . . . and climaxes in an act of murderous vengeance. McElwee shows great promise as a writer; Rory and the Devil is his first produced play, and it is a vibrant, powerful and excellent piece of work. He is to be praised as well for his directorial skill and for the way he achieves maximum results with his actors. A skilled bunch, they come through with full-blooded performances that resonate long after the play ends.
