It is a look at family dysfunction. The idea of a twin dying and somehow the character's alter ego is gone is prevalent in the character. Her strength of his memory is so powerful it is almost mythical. That mythical element of the imagination makes a strong link to Celtic traditions. You do get those mythic proportions which is a very Irish theme.
People get the sense they are divided between two worlds.
There is something quite Celtic about that. In the play, Portia's brother haunts her through singing. In the fall, Carr will produce By the Bog of Cats at the Dublin Theatre Festival. The Boston production of Portia Coughlan features some familiar faces and new actors. Mick Spence, John Malinowski, Ben Emerson and Sara Pruitt will design the set, lighting, sound and costumes respectively.