The Life and Sort of Death of Eric Argyle – Location, Tickets, Reviews
Part of Origin’s 1st Irish festival, The Life and Sort of Death of Eric Argyle from award-winning Irish theatre company 15th Oak tells the story of Eric Argyle, a recently deceased man who kept a secret for 30 years.
Shortly after Eric’s death, he finds himself the subject of a trial. Events from his childhood to adulthood are subject to close examination. Not knowing the reason for what is happening, Eric Argyle is confused but cooperative.
The piece is constructed with creative storytelling techniques and meticulous attention to detail. It is exquisitely structured but the narrative device of reading from a book requires a degree of patience from the audience in order to remain immersed in the story. Graceful, quiet music from an acoustic guitar, harmonium and glockenspiel runs through the play, and adds a poetic touch to the sad but sweet tale of The Life and Sort of Death of Eric Argyle.
Recommended if . . .
- You like storytelling as theater, à la Daniel Kitson;
- You like music-infused drama;
- You like love stories that are both heartrending and heartwarming;
- You can appreciate a spare set with minimalist lighting;
- You enjoy small ensemble pieces with each actor playing multiple characters; and
- You’re patient enough to enjoy a slowly unfolding, puzzle-like plot.
LOCATION
59E59 Theaters
59 East 59th Street
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RUNNING TIME
1 hour 30 minutes, no intermission
TICKETS
$20-$35 (click here for tickets)
DATES
Performances through September 29
REVIEWS
New York Times
He’s Dead, but Not Quite Gone
New York’s 1st Irish Festival is presenting a complex, challenging work that weaves drama and narrative into an intricate and emotionally affecting story about death, unrequited love, and a kind of afterlife.
Manhattan With A Twist
Addressing existential matters in a tangible and entertaining story, the performance subtly begs audiences to question the inevitable impact of life’s biggest regrets.
Mildly Bitter’s Musings
I was eager to check-out 15th Oak’s award-winning show The Life and Sort of Death of Eric Argyle which was described as venturing “into Daniel Kitson territory.”
TheaterMania
Dungan is able to tap into the essence of living, highlighting existence’s humor as well as its tragedy.
Theater Pizzazz
A gorgeous underscoring begins with an acoustic guitar, harmonium and glockenspiel…a most surprising, beautiful and unexpected play.
Usher Nonsense
The upshot is that this is an enchanting piece, and I wish there had been a bit less of it.
CAST & CREW
Written by Ross Dungan
Directed by Dan Herd
Featuring Siobhan Cullen, Manus Halligan, Davey Kelleher, Katie Lyons, Dave McEntegart, James Murphy, Erica Murray and Karen Sheridan