Under Sean Branney’s direction, John B. Keane’s beautifully modulated drama is set in an rural County Kerry pub, where locals gather to see who will end up owning the field that old Maggie Butler is selling. Will an outsider swoop in and snatch it, or will a swaggering local farmer have his way? Barry Lynch brings a formidable menace to his role as the intimidating farmer, “The Bull” McCabe. This is a man with a massive sense of entitlement and a bulldozing force of will. Having leased the land from the old widow for years in order to graze his cattle and gain access to the river, McCabe’s had his heart set on owning the “handsome parcel of land” for decades, as did his father before him. Keane’s chilling drama is an incisive commentary on the local folk, presenting copious drinking, snarky small town gossip, incessant childbearing and domestic violence as part of the fabric of everyday life. One scene in Act 2, when McCabe’s loyal son Tadgh (Travis Hammer) dares to ask why his parents haven’t spoken for 18 years, will make your blood run cold. Excellent performances from all. Theatre Banshee, 3435 Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 & 8 p.m., Sun., 2p.m.; thru Dec 12. theatrebanshee.org/

Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 3 & 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Starts: Nov. 26. Continues through Dec. 12, 2010

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