Rep associate artistic director Waters said in a statement, "The Lieutenant of Inishmore is a comic masterpiece that looks at the brutality of humanity through the microcosm of one village. While the laughter and the bloodshed flow, it asks serious questions about family, friendship, love and patriotism. McDonagh is even willing to examine and challenge our sentimental attachment to our favorite pets." The play, acclaimed in London and Broadway, goes something like this, according to the Rep: "As part of an I.R.A. splinter group, Padraic thinks nothing of murdering and mutilating his enemies — but the sudden death of his beloved cat leaves him heartbroken. Amidst the comedy and carnage, McDonagh delivers cutting commentary on the endless cycle of violence that engulfs our world."

Opening is April 22. The gore flows freely in the dark comedy from the author of The Pillowman, Cripple of Inishmaan and The Beauty Queen of Leenane.

The Inishmore cast includes Michael Barrett Austin (Joey), Rowan Brooks (Brendan), Molly Camp (Mairead), James Carpenter (Donny), Blake Ellis (Padraic), Adam Farabee (Davey), Daniel Krueger (James) and Danny Wolohan (Christy).

The production team includes Antje Ellermann (scenic design), Anna R. Oliver (costume design), Alexander V. Nichols (lighting design), Obadiah Eaves (sound design), Dave Maier (fight director), Lynne Soffer (dialect coach) and Karen Szpaller (stage manager), with special effects by Tolin FX.

The Roda Theatre is located at 2015 Addison Street in Berkeley, CA. For more information, call (510) 647-2949 or toll-free at (888) 4-BRT-Tix or simply click berkeleyrep.org.