THE HANGOVER REPORT – Kieran Knowles’ OPERATION CRUCIBLE is a confident debut, delivering a masterclass in ensemble acting

The company of Kieran Knowles' "Operation Crucible" at 59E59 Theaters.

The company of Kieran Knowles’ “Operation Crucible” at 59E59 Theaters.

Last night, I caught From Ground Up Theatre’s production of Operation Crucible, the confident debut play by Kieran Knowles currently playing as part of the wonderfully curated Brits Off Broadway series at 59E59 Theater. The play – simultaneously muscular and lyrical – tells the story of four steel factory workers during the Sheffield Blitz of World War II. Jumping back and forth through time, the play alternates between the tense atmosphere of wartime Britain and more rousing scenes depicting the camaraderie among these men. Mr. Knowles writes with a natural ear for rich dialogue, which is rare for a first time playwright.

Operation Crucible is directed by Bryony Shanahan with the precision of a well-oiled machine.  When his spare but robust staging is running on all cylinders, it attains a fluidity that’s hypnotic. The quartet of actors in the production – made up of Salvatore D’Aquila, Kieran Knowles, Christopher McCurry, and James Wallwork (actors who have performed these roles previously across the pond) – deliver smashing performances, individually and particularly as part of the ensemble. Indeed, this is true ensemble work in the sense that there really is no lead player; each actor relies on the others to tell the story. As a result, although the play’s characters come from unpolished blue collar backgrounds, their stories unspool with the refined grace of ballet.

RECOMMENDED

 

OPERATION CRUCIBLE
Off-Broadway, Play
Brits Off Broadway at 59E59 Theaters
1 hour, 20 minutes (without an intermission)
Through June 3

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

Leave a Reply