FOUR LAST THINGS From Corrib Theatre Comes to New Expressive Works

Corrib Theatre presents Lisa Tierney-Keogh's Four Last Things, directed by Gemma Whelan, a play that takes on the difficult, culturally pervasive topic of depression with warmth and tenderness. The production features an accomplished three-person cast and runs for four weeks, January 31 through February 24, at New Expressive Works, 810 SE Belmont St., in Portland, Oregon.

Jane is dropping out of college, out of life. She is stuck on her family's farm in rural Ireland with a father who cannot find the words to articulate his fears, and a dog who intuitively grasps her state of mind but cannot reach her. Four Last Things is an emotionally charged journey through a young woman's inner battles with depression as those who love her struggle to understand.

"Four Last Things is set solidly in the heart of rural Ireland in the present day, but it might as well be the dark ages in terms in how our understanding of depression and mental illness has evolved," said Gemma Whelan, play director and artistic director of Corrib Theatre. "In recent years, Ireland has made vast strides in women's rights, LGBTQ rights, public challenges to the institutions of church and state to own up to, and make redress for, their flagrant abuse - but the stigma associated with mental illness still persists. When I read Lisa Tierney-Keogh's beautiful and sensitive play I was profoundly moved by the delicacy and power of the story. I found myself coming back to it again and again. As I came across reports of the rise in incidents of depression and suicide in the U.S since the 2016 election, and the staggering levels of depression and suicide among young people, college students, and the LQBTQIA community, I knew I needed to produce this play. Four Last Things is a story of the failure of the country, the state, the family, the community to face up to uncomfortable truths. It shows the inability or unwillingness of adults to move beyond fear, stasis and tradition, even when the stakes are life or death. I believe the play has as much resonance and urgency here in Portland, and the United States, as it does in Ireland. I hope that by telling this story we reaffirm that a tiny gesture, a shift in consciousness, a reaching out and finding the courage to move beyond our comfort zones could actually save lives."

"I am thrilled that Corrib Theatre is producing the West Coast premiere of Four Last Things," said playwright Lisa Tierney-Keogh. "I'm honored they have chosen this play as part of their 2018-19 season, and I am so excited to attend in person."