In this parable of Ireland one of the characters remarks, ‘There’s ways and ways of telling every story. Every story has seven faces,’ and the title of Brian Friel’s brave work belies a set of violent sexual and homosexual tensions. In the author’s inimitable language and characterization the island’s story and history unfold towards a shattering climax.

‘This is Friel at his most intriguing, with his ironic title and with a second act that plunges into pungent drama reminiscent of Eugene O’Neill.’