THEATRE Westport Arts Festival’s dramatic offering

The drama of it all


Ciara Moynihan

Theatre lovers should have plenty to choose from at this year’s Westport Arts Festival, which offers five different theatrical productions, with the drama taking place both indoor and out.
While most of the offerings have strong comedic elements, ample gravity is lent to proceedings by theatre company Fishamble’s much-acclaimed, multi-award-winning play, ‘Silent’, which will be shown for one night only Sunday, October 7, at 8pm in Scoil PhΡdraig.
Written and performed by Pat Kinevane, ‘Silent’ chronicles one man’s struggle with depression and homelessness and examines the inadequacy of structures and support systems for those with mental-health issues. The story revolves around the life of the now homeless Tino McGoldrig, who once had splendid things. But he has lost it all – including his mind. He now dives into the wonderful wounds of his past through the romantic world of Rudolph Valentino.
Through a combination of narrative, sound and dance, ‘Silent’ is conceived as a touching comment on modern life and society’s attitude to mental health. The play, which has been branded ‘brave, bold and beautiful’, has had critics gushing and audiences on their feet.
Truman Town Theatre’s ‘Velvet Revolution’, written by Ballinrobe playwright Mick Donnellan, is a dialogue-based drama full of wit, sarcasm and black humour. Using two actors and a minimal set, the play tells the tale of Fyodor and Shelly, a young couple living in rural Ireland. Fyodor is heavily in debt to a dangerous loan shark – who Shelly has unwittingly invited to dinner. ‘Velvet Revolution’ will be staged on Tuesday, October 9, and Wednesday, October 10, at 8pm in The Mill Times Hotel.
Local theatre group, Theatre Works West, will present an ensemble adaptation of Chekhov’s ‘The Cherry Orchard’ in Gracey’s Bar, Westport House, on Saturday, October 13, at 8pm, and Sunday, October 14. A thought-provoking tragi-comedy set in the early 1900s, The Cherry Orchard looks at the passing of an era – the fading and bankrupt world of the old Russian aristocracy. The story highlights the futile efforts of the aristocracy to maintain its status, as well as the futile efforts of the bourgeoisie to find meaning in the materialism of capitalist society.
Much-loved Westport theatre group, St Patrick’s Drama Group, presents ‘Drinking Habits’ on Wednesday and Thursday, October 3 and 4, at at 8.30pm in Scoil PhΡdraig. Accusations, mistaken identities and romances run wild in this farcical comedy, which is laden with subplots and twists. Two nuns at ‘The Sisters of Perpetual Sewing’ have been secretly making wine to keep the convents doors open, but Paul and Sally, undercover reporters and former fiancées, are hot on their trail… Wine and secrets are inevitably spilled.
Street theatre is becoming a traditional part of the Westport Arts Festival, and this year sees another energetic act performing al fresco. Sorcaluba will stage their aerial comedy show, ‘Hitched’ at St Mary’s Crescent at 1pm on Saturday, October 13. With laughs and daring tricks suitable for all the family, the 40-minute show brings ‘Blind Date’ to the streets. Three women – Barbie, Maggie McMoo and Jack the Lad are vying for the man of their dreams. What are these women willing to do to get picked? Glitter, cups of tea, biker chains and a wedding dress all in one up-in-the-air show…

For more information on Westport Arts Festival (October 1-14) or to buy tickets to any of its events, visit www.westportartsfestival.com. The festival Box Office on Brewery Lane (behind Brawn’s Flowers), Westport, is also currently open 12-2pm and 5-7pm daily, but it will extend its opening hours closer to the festival.