←Recommendations of Tis True, Ma (Ten Minute)

This is a terrific conflict triangle of Mother, son, and his lover, each with their prejudices and pride, trying to make the others understand. Set at Stonewall, it highlights the beliefs of two generations, both entrenched in their beliefs, hoping for understanding. A poignant and deeply moving piece of theatre. A joy for three actors to play.

An absolutely lovely snapshot of history from the perspective of people it may have affected the most. Powerful and informative. Great characters to play as well.

Locked between his obligations to his Catholic, Irish family and his loyalty to his embittered, ex-Catholic lover, Kevin O'Connor has quite a choice to make. However, the choice is less about whose side Kevin takes than what Kevin is willing to tolerate when it comes to disrespect about who he is and the life he wants to live.

Paul Donnelly's "Tis True, Ma" navigates the challenge of queer people who come out later in life to not just receive the acceptance they crave, but to demand the respect they deserve with cultural specificity and heart. Excellent work.

There is a depressing stubbornness to hate, and what makes it worse is when such bigotry is on display in one's own family. Kevin's mother sticks to her rigid notions of what it means to be Irish, to the point of alienating her gay son. It would lead to a heartbreaking ending but for the choice that Kevin makes that gives him, and the audience, hope.

Paul Donnelly packs a ton of thoughtful commentary into this short play with great dialogue and vivid characters. Well done!

Prejudice is always ugly, and never uglier when it concerns members of family. Paul Donnelly gives us a mother and son who have been butting heads on his lifestyle choices, with neither one backing down, in true Irish fashion. Kevin's attempts to gain her acceptance of him and his lover Michael while visiting the Stonewall Inn don't go as planned, but when do they ever? There is a breakthrough of sorts between the two men however that shows even smaller victories can be just as satisfying.

Even when you are at a mature age and know who you are, you can still long for a parent’s acceptance. Paul Donnelly shows us that understanding and accepting ourselves is the greatest gift we can give.

A heartbreaking piece that pulls you in two ways -- objecting to the mother's prejudices, but also welcoming the gay lovers partnership & how important it is to them to see at Stonewall the openly gay Irish Prime Minister. Short, but packs a punch. Very moving.

The effort to gain acceptance from those you loved who may not evolve is a heartbreaking one. Well done.

Paul Donnelly has written a heartfelt play that captures the bittersweet layers of acceptance, both of yourself and of others. As trauma (physical and emotional) becomes internalized, it affects the ways in which we see the world and ourselves. Donnelly plays on this theme beautifully, expanding the concept of 'family' and demonstrating that the most important acceptance comes from within.

A bittersweet story, and a situation that probably is true for too many people.

Bravo to Donnelly for showing different relationships -- with society, family, romantic partners, and self -- and how they may or may not evolve over time.