Presented by Next Stage Theatre Company
Tuesday 2nd - Saturday 6th July 2024 7:30pm
Matinee Saturday 6th July 2024 2:00pm
“Look at yourselves, will you! Just look at yourselves! Dancing at our time of day?... No, no, we’re going to no harvest dance”.
Next Stage Theatre Company are proud to present Brian Friel’s Olivier Award-winning play performed in-the-round. A semi-autobiographical exploration of the playwright’s memories of growing up in rural Donegal, surrounded by his mother and her four sisters.
Immerse yourself in their loving and chaotic household, financial hardship battling the sisters’ fire and spirit.
The play is set over two days during the August of 1936 when Michael is seven years old. The village of Ballybeg celebrates The Festival of Lughnasa, named after the Celtic God of the Harvest.
The arrival of the family’s first wireless set, christened ‘Marconi’, coincides with the homecoming of Father Jack, 25 years a Missionary in Uganda and recovering from malaria.
Internal frustrations and thwarted dreams collide with Pagan forces and Christian mores.
Things are changing, change which is as devastating as it is inevitable.
“When I remember it, I think of it as dancing. Dancing with eyes half closed because to open them would be to break the spell.”
CAST
Audience Comments
“A beautiful performance and acting of a great play”
“A very unusual and peaceful play, I feel I have been to Ireland this evening!”
“A magical wrap-around of Ireland and nostlagia.”
“Very enjoyable warm & authentic atmosphere… you could’ve smelt the peat and porridge.”
“Wonderfully authentic, beautifully crafted and performed!”
“Like sitting in the parlour of a familiar house - thank you!”
“Saw the play many years ago, I travelled from North Devon to see it performed again. Aboslutely worth the wait and the journey.”
“I really believed you were all family and the second act in particular was very emotional.”
Rehearsal Photos
