Critic's picks - theater

(Mike lovett)

THE SEAFARER

Carmel O'Reilly directs a stellar cast (including Derry Woodhouse, above) in a taut, lively rendition of Conor McPherson's infernally high-stakes card game. SpeakEasy Stage Company presents. Through Dec. 13. Boston Center for the Arts, Roberts Studio Theatre. 617-933-8600, www.bostontheatrescene.com

VOYEURS DE VENUS

Summer L. Williams directs a thematically rich, disturbing, and unforgettable production of Lydia R. Diamond's new play, about an African-American scholar's conflicted study of Saartjie Baartman, who was notoriously exploited as the "Hottentot Venus." Presented by Company One. Through Nov. 22. Boston Center for the Arts, Plaza Theatre. 617-933-8600, www.bostontheatrescene.com

THE OIL THIEF

Joyce Van Dyke fits not just a love triangle but 450 million years of geological time into a mesmerizing 80 minutes, indelibly acted by Melinda Lopez, Will Lyman, and Sheldon Best. Through Nov. 23. Boston Playwrights' Theatre. 866-811-4111, www.bostonplaywrights.org

ROCK 'N' ROLL

Tom Stoppard's intense, intelligent drama, fueled by the energies of revolution and rock music, makes its regional debut at the Huntington Theatre Company, in a co-production with the American Conservatory Theatre. Through Dec. 13. Boston University Theatre. 617-266-0800, www.huntingtontheatre.org

FAITH HEALER

Nora Hussey directs Brian Friel's multifaceted tale for the Publick Theatre, whose artistic director, Diego Arciniegas, stars as the healer/con artist of the title. Through Nov. 22. 617-933-8600, www.bostontheatrescene.com LOUISE KENNEDY