A rational mind is a wonderful thing to waste — if the wasting is done as cleverly as it is in "The Lieutenant of Inishmore," the maiden production by The Actors Ohana in an impossibly tiny space on Waimanu Street.

We settle into most plays once we've identified the locale and the characters. But this one doesn't allow for settling in. Even when we think we must have seen everything, it continues to challenge us all the way to a surprise ending.

It helps to understand that not only is the central character the self-proclaimed officer of a one-man Irish terrorist splinter group, he is certifiably mad. Neither is normalcy the strong point for the rest of the inhabitants of the village of Inishmore. Once that is understood, every gruesome, amoral plot twist makes perfect sense.

It also helps to know — despite the central elements of violence and revenge — that this is a comedy where it is acceptable to laugh at the blood and carnage that cover the stage. Think of the wood chipper scene from "Fargo." If a groaning chuckle escaped before your better sense squelched it, you can make it to the final scene in this play with only a bit of flinching and squirming.

And the final scene is worth waiting for. So check that rational mind at the door and be ready for an engaging, provocative evening.

If the title's cadence sounds familiar, it's because playwright Martin McDonagh also wrote "The Cripple of Inishmaan" and "The Pillowman," both previously produced in Honolulu. But it falls to The Actors Ohana and director Scott Rogers to take on this controversial script. Well, when you've got a 40-seat theater and are just starting out, you have everything to gain.

The result should get plenty of attention. Rogers has put together an excellent cast whose Irish accents and character focus are unwavering.

Shane Thomas executes the central role of Padraic with manic concentration, matter-of-fact cruelty and moments of sentimental blubbering over the death of his only friend for 15 years — a black cat called Wee Thomas. It's Padraic's unpredictability and bow-string tension that keep the play humming and the audience resonating like tuning forks.

Tabitha Jade is nearly his match as a 16-year-old junior terrorist with a rap sheet that includes blinding a herd of cows with a pellet gun. Blade Rogers gets the best laughs with deadpan outsider observations as young Davey, balancing nicely against Buck Ashford as Padraic's crusty old dad.

Jim Aina, Brian Dinsmore, Jessie Smith and Steven Neumeier complete the ensemble as various cutthroats and petty criminals.

The Actors Ohana has come on the theatrical scene just as The Actors' Group has lost its equally tiny Yellow Brick Studio in Kaka'ako. Hopefully, both will continue to grow and thrive.

There's an audience in Honolulu for the revenge comedy of "The Lieutenant of Inishmore" and this production deserves to be discovered. Look for The Actors Ohana down a walkway behind Tahiti Imports at the end of Waimanu Street near Ala Moana Center. Allow extra time to find scarce on-street parking.