Justice for Irish working class

Sure, the characters and plot lines are a wee bit familiar: a dedicated idealist, bravely fighting the system; the local drunk, always chiseling a few shillings for a glass of wine; a young lad, barely a man himself, who’s gotten his young lass pregnant and just has to get that job; singing a fine old song in the neighborhood pub. But “Dockers,” now receiving a spirited U.S. premiere by Theatre Banshee at the new Banshee space (formerly the Gene Bua), brims with noisy, truculent life, even as it leans on some well-worn Irish tropes.

In 1962, a decade before “the Troubles” began, life for a Belfast dockworker was as circumscribed as the Mafia’s. No work unless you’re in the union, and no new union memberships unless someone’s just died. Lucky enough to get in? Well, best to keep quiet about the rampant safety violations, nepotism and humiliating working conditions. Enter John Graham (Dan Harper), determined to change things on the waterfront. But who’s ready to concede power for a bother like justice?

Martin Lynch’s play celebrates his homeland’s linguistic exuberance and indefatigable sense of community, but wrenchingly exposes the false virtue of enduring the status quo with a prayer and a pint. “It’s the same story in Ireland,” one of the characters grumbles. “Socialism versus the saints.”

On Arthur McBride’s appropriately shabby set, the characters stew, cajole and clamor. Sean Branney’s brisk direction sparks some colorful performances, including Lisa Dobbyn, who transcends the stereotype of the faithful working-class wife; Jim Krestalude as a quietly menacing union boss; and Barry Lynch as an over-cranked sot who can’t bear what he sees when he’s sober.

Harper’s John Graham doesn’t quite tap into his character’s restless search for reform, but the play still makes its impassioned point. The workingman -- in 1962 or 2006 -- sells his labor, not to mention his dignity, for far too low a price. And that’s something a bottle of stout and a bit of singing won’t make go away.

*

‘Dockers’

Where: Theatre Banshee, 3435 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays

Ends: Dec. 3

Price: $18

Contact: (818) 846-5323

Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes