Crime, justice and retribution are the ingredients of Ian Kilroy's exceptional theatrical debut, directed by Jim Culleton.
Set in small-town Ireland during carnival time, this coal-black comedy tells a cautionary tale of justice in abeyance and gruesome revenge.
The plot pulses with life as publican Christy Ruane (Gerard Byrne) and his brother in law Cathal Lynch (Eamonn Hunt) are pitted against each other in mortal struggle to inherit the pub left by Ruane's murdered sister Kate.
A year has past since her killing and the race is on to find evidence that would incriminate Lynch and let the victim finally rest in peace. Frustrated by the lack of progress made by the police, Ruane and his sidekick Philis Derrane (Joan Sheehy) decide to take matters into their own hands and a midnight court is hastily convened.
But the kangaroo court soon spirals out of control to become a lynch mob, and leads to a violent climax (with a twist).
The only witness to the events is dim-witted shop assistant Francis Devine (John Finegan), while the investigating Sergeant (Frank O'Sullivan) looks and sounds like he ended up on stage by taking a wrong turn on his way to the Garda Patrol studio. The characterisation is rich and the dialogue is both convincing and original.
There are strong performances all around with Eamonn Hunt particularly strong as the morally delinquent Lynch. Robert Ballagh's set is suitably sparse and there is clever use of the lighting to create shadows.
Cajun mardi gras music adds to the atmosphere of quiet menace that accumulates gradually.
Kilroy displays a flair for the macabre worthy of Tarantino and his future work can be anticipated with much confidence and excitement.