What could be more fitting, with St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, then to go down to the Skirball Center and see the Mabou Mines World Premiere of “Finn”? It’s based on the early life of mythical Irish hero, Finn Mac Cumhail. The last name is pronounced “McCool.” There’s an old saying that the person who made up the spelling of Irish words- and Irish, not Gaelic, is now the preferred term on the Emerald Isle- wasn’t in the same room as the person pronouncing them. So if you decide to google the larger than life personages mentioned, be aware of the fact that the heroine, “Grania,” is spelled Grainne, for example.
The story is the basic hero quest familiar to most world mythology: boy sets out to find the Holy Object (in this case, a Treasure Bag which belonged to his murdered father), has his strength and fortitude tested, and along the way, learns that there is more to becoming a man than he had originally supposed.
When I heard that the production was being staged at the NYU venue, I knew I’d need some expert insights. So I invited two brilliant and perceptive NYU students to help me sift through the many layered tale. Venus Chui, 18, is studying Hospitality Management. She’s originally from Hong Kong, and now lives in Chappaqua, N.Y. She provided a uniquely Asian viewpoint, and picked up on the fact that much of the martial arts performed on stage is based on the discipline of Kung Fu. Adrienne Scott, 18, from Albany, is majoring in Applied Psychology. She told me that the auditorium in which we sat is used for NYU classes; there are over 1,000 seats.
When I asked if the production, which features four actors covering various roles, would benefit by employing more performers, flashier sets, and a bigger budget, Adrienne sagely replied, “No; that would interfere with the narrative.” “This play involves universal values,” Venus continued. “Telling the truth, keeping your word, and doing the right thing are basic concepts in every society.”
These thoughtful young women convinced me that while the play is done in blank verse and is necessarily talky, it’s ideal for all ages, and a great jumping off place for a discussion between parents and offspring about values.
Much of the fun comes from the vitality of the four performers, particularly the charming Finn himself, Robbie Collier Sublett (opening photo), who cartwheels across the stage both literally and figuratively. This buff young actor rises above what might be clichéd lines in less skilled hands, and even manages to surmount the obstacle of a truly silly Komondor style wig. He is ably supported by storytellers Jarlath Conroy, Brandon Goodman, and Dion Mucciatcito, who bring an almost Shakespearean gravitas to their roles, while managing to find all the jokes and do some pretty impressive acrobatics.
In fact, this multi-media show features plenty to keep the interest of young and old: the aforementioned martial arts; acrobatic tricks galore; mime and pantomime; cartoons and other projected images. Laced through it all is the lovely, haunting music of the Irish flute, bagpipes, and sprightly fiddle.
There is wisdom here, but it’s more common sense than lecture. “The story must live within the storyteller.” Yes, and within the actor, too. “This Island is much loved by foreign invaders.” If we miss this one, the fact that the word “English” is always accompanied by exaggerated spitting should bring the point home. And “You must be as good a poet as a warrior and hunter” should be in the handbook of every inarticulate official in Washington, D.C.
Part of the uniqueness of live theater is that you never know what will happen. On opening night, the show was briefly halted by a faulty microphone, which needed to be replaced mid-scene. The stage manger briefly appeared on stage to give the go-ahead, and to tell the actors “Pick it up from…” This was greeted in the house with great good humor and applause, and my young NYU scholars felt that the incident was handled with poise, and added an interesting note to the evening.
“Finn” can be enjoyed on many levels, according to preference. What impressed me most is that it starts out as an adventure tale, and ends as a parable of forgiveness and redemption. A man who kills out of anger, and doesn’t realize when it’s better not to kill, is not ready to be a leader. Not a bad message for the twenty-first century.
“Finn,” NYU Skirball Center, 566 La Guardia Place.
Tickets are $30- $55 and can be purchased at 212-352-3101 www.skirballcenter.nyu.edu/calendar/finn
Thursday, March 4th thru Sunday March 7th. Note: The production runs one hour and fifteen minutes with no intermission.
michalljeffers@verizon.net. michalljeffers.com
