Gabriel Byrne Tells his Stories in “Walking With Ghosts”

Photo Courtesy of the “Walking With Ghosts” Website.

The opinions reflected in this OpEd are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of staff, faculty and students of The King's College.

In 2020, Irish film star Gabriel Byrne published his memoir, “Walking With Ghosts”. Now, the book comes to life on stage as a one-man play of the same name starring Byrne himself as a storyteller, wandering through the formative events of his life. The play opened last week on Oct. 27, 2022, at the Music Box Theatre as a vulnerable portrait of a man forever changed by his struggles and triumphs.

“Walking With Ghosts” is engaging as a single entity, but the presentation of the material in short, segmented scenes clearly reflects its adaptation from the chapters of the memoir. The story begins during Byrne’s early years as a child from a poor family in Dublin. He shares the stories and memories of his loving mother and grandmother, the summer when the carnival came to town, the death of a young friend and the trauma of sexual abuse by a Catholic priest that prompted him to quit seminary and begin a career as an actor. 

Byrne’s onstage reflection of his life also explores the actor’s addiction to alcohol during his film career. One of the most impactful, well-acted scenes depicts Byrne’s conversations with co-star Richard Burton while filming in Venice. Both men struggled with alcohol, and, as Byrne points out, “Only one of us made it out alive.”

This play gives the audience a visually simple, emotionally complex and intimate portrayal of how tragedy, love, addiction and family shaped a man’s life and perspective. 

The production itself is striking in its minimalism and focuses on Byrne as a storyteller rather than as a character in a narrative beyond his control. A few sound effects try to bring events from Byrne’s story to life, but their sparse use is unnecessary. The overall production, however, is a beautifully executed compliment to an emotional story.

“Walking With Ghosts” is not a tightly choreographed routine, and that is the point. Byrne's performance, which is a little rough around the edges, gives a charming honesty to the story he wants to share. It’s as much a meaningful experience for Byrne to reflect on his life as it is for us to come along on the ride.
“Walking With Ghosts” is currently running at the Music Box Theatre through December 30, 2022.

Eli Johnson is the Theatre Columnist for the Empire State Tribune. He is a freshman at The King's College majoring in Business. He is an avid theatre-goer and always enjoys a game of chess.