Crystal and Fox
by Brian Friel

This play is about Irish fit-up theaters offering shows ranging from simple plays to performing dogs.

Fox Melarkey is the proprietor, and Crystal is his adored wife.

At the height of success, Fox inexplicably begins to drop the variety acts.

The show is down to two: an Irishman (billed as Pedro once of the Moscow Circus) with a trained dog; and El Cid and Tanya, an acrobatic team.

Fox ensures the latters’ resignation by insulting them.

Then their lost son returns, who Fox drove off years ago.

Hei is now a drifter wanted by the English police.

Fox does his best to kill all hopes for fame or success, even poisoning Pedro’s dog!

A sensitive, sometimes shocking study of decline by either mandate or self-will.