Distillation of a play by Brian Friel, first performed
at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, on 30 June 1993
Silence. Sound –
waves tumbling over each other, seagull,
singing, laughing, as three couples run onto the beach.
They are celebrating the birthday of Terry.
Angela and Berna are sisters. Angela and George are having
a secret affair. Frank hopes to stay off the booze.
Trish never stops dancing. Halfway
into the Second Act – Terry declares
his medical condition and expectation of demise.
Six monologues. Then they make a promise.
A year from now they will return for another celebration,
all of them, Terry will be with them, Terry will always
be with them. Laughing, singing, they leave
human litter on the beach. Silence.
