Online Theater Review: ‘The Gifts You Gave to the Dark’: Easing a Loved One’s Pain

During the pandemic lockdown, (L–R) Tom (Marty Rea) is asked by his uncle Larry (Sean McGinley) to come online and give solace to Tom’s dying mother (Marie Mullen), in a newly produced play. Courtesy of Irish Repertory Theatre

In the wake of the current pandemic, theatrical performances must try to present the same emotional effect that comes from a live presentation through a different, less visceral medium. One offering that succeeds quite admirably in doing just that is the Irish Repertory Theatre’s world-premiere presentation of Darren Murphy’s “The Gifts You Gave to the Dark.” Their online drama offers an unflinching look at the COVID-19 outbreak and its devastating effect on one family, and through them, the world at large.

Courtesy Irish Repertory Theatre