Get family time, but in very small doses

Sibling rivalry of the prodigal son variety is what drives “After Luke,” one of two one-act plays by Cónal Creedon at the Irish Repertory Theatre. And a satisfying ride it is.  

Wastrel younger son Maneen (Michael Mellamphy) has returned to County Cork from London for a visit of indeterminate length. He wants Dadda (Colin Lane) to sell the family homestead, which has skyrocketed in value during Ireland’s real estate boom, over the objections of older brother, Son (Gary Gregg), who has stayed with his father to work the land and raise his beloved chickens.

The tension between slick Maneen and steadfast Son never flags, with the latter regularly getting the short end of the stick. Tim Ruddy’s no-frills, somewhat stylized (with actors often directly facing the audience) production revives the ancient parable with straightforward and refreshing honesty.

The slightly less focused, more playful “When I Was God,” the second work on the bill, upends the family triangle, with two parents vying for influence with a single son. Dino (Mellamphy), a soccer referee about to retire, still carries the squabbling of his father (Gregg), who wanted him to play the Irish sport of curling and forgo college, and mother (as whom Mellamphy doubles), who championed soccer and a degree.  It’s a telling commentary on how we all internalize our parents’ messages, seemingly forever.  

If you’re looking for a healthy dose of familial testosterone without any blarney, these muscular one-acts will serve you well.

‘After Luke’ and ‘When I Was God’
Through Sept. 20
Irish Repertory Theatre
132 W. 22nd St.
$55-$65, 212-727-2737
www.irishrep.org