The Odyssey Theatre will present the world premiere of John Fazakerley’s family drama, Corktown ’57 this month. Set in Philadelphia’s pro-Irish Republican community of “Corktown,” the play charts the conflict of family and political loyalties when a dying family patriarch schemes for glory within the Irish Republican movement.
“The play is a fiction, but it’s inspired by memories of my family,” says Mr. Fazakerley, who was inspired by a box of old family photographs.
“My grandfather was an unrepentant Irish Republican who wouldn’t give up the fight. In his last days, he came to live with us, and I became his caretaker. He would regale me with stories of the family coming to America. Though I knew he was highly political, I never realized what that meant until I began to question family elders, who would entertain me with stories of Grandpop.“
Corktown ’57 opens for press on March 28 and continues through May 3. Performances take place Fridays and Saturdays at 8, and Sundays at 2.
There will be two preview performances, on Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27, both at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $25 on Fridays and Sundays and $30 on Saturdays; previews are $15.
The Odyssey Theatre is at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West Los Angeles, 90025.
For reservations and information, call 323.960.5770 or go to www.plays411.com/corktown.
