Two married men, Art and Ben, engage in a conversation over drinks. Art shares with Ben his dream about being intimate with Ben’s wife. The setting is unclear, but the room seemed to be made of marble, and the experience was pleasing. Later, Ben’s wife, Catherine, tells Ben she had a similar dream involving Art. Both describe the dream with the presence of marble, making it an intriguing mystery.

This is the premise of the new show, “Marble,” by acclaimed playwright Marina Carr, presented at the Gift Theatre. The play raises questions about the nature of the dreams. Are they coincidental, a joke, or a shared mystical experience? Or is it a way of signaling the end of their marriages?

“Marble,” which previously premiered at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre in 2009, explores the potential unraveling of two middle-aged marriages. It examines whether the husbands truly understood their wives or failed to adapt to changes over time. The play evokes comparisons to the works of Harold Pinter and Edward Albee in its portrayal of intimate suburban lives.

Marina Carr’s focus is primarily on the women in these troubled relationships. The husbands appear clueless, living an unexamined life until it’s taken from them. The play offers powerful roles for actresses Brittany Burch and Cyd Blakewell. Burch portrays a woman filled with existential dread, while Blakewell’s character seeks comfort in red wine. Both performances are exceptional under the direction of Kay Martinovich at the historic Copernicus Center in Jefferson Park.

Paul D’Addario plays a cipher-like husband, while John Gawlik portrays a man increasingly disturbed by dreams beyond his control. Carr introduces philosophical questions, questioning deep yearnings within a marriage. Catherine’s discourse evokes images of Nora from “A Doll’s House” or an Irish “Medea,” reflecting on unfulfilled desires.

“Marble” delves into how marital resentments can evolve into hatred or lead to the disappearance of desire. The poetic yet humorous presentation adds depth to the play’s narrative, despite challenges in the space it is performed.

Although the performance space poses certain limitations and some improvements in pacing could heighten tension, the quality of acting remains exceptional. “Marble” presents a rich, thought-provoking exploration of marriage. It’s a poignant experience worth attending, whether with a partner or simply for the drama’s profound revelations.

Review: “Marble” (3.5 stars)
When: Through Aug. 30
Where: Gift Theatre at the Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
Running time: 2 hours
Tickets: $45-50 at 773-283-7071 and thegifttheatre.org