ST BRENDAN is famed throughout Europe for the legendary sea journey he took in early Mediaeval times, when he may have discovered North America – before the Vikings.
St Brendan’s life and legend have entertained and inspired generations and now his story is about to be re-told in Brendan the Navigator, a new play for children, by Jessica Cooke.
Brendan the Navigator will be performed in the Town Hall Theatre this Tuesday and Wednesday at 8pm.
The play arose from work Jessica did with fifth and sixth class pupils ini St Brendan’s National School, Annaghdown, their teacher Eilís Nic an Rí, and drama teacher and director Lisa Chalfa.
The play dramatises the local legend of Saint Brendan who sailed to the Land of Promise and returned to Annaghdown monastery to tell the tale. The play utilises the talents of the pupils including dance, artwork and music. In addition, many of the local residents contributed their time and skills to create scenery, lighting, and electrics.
Jessica’s previous plays include The Murdering Hole, based on the Galwegian Cronmwell had execute King Charles I; The Importance of Being Orson, based on Orson Welles’ famous encounter with Hilton Edwards and Michael MacLiammóir; and The Fellowship, inspired by JRR Tolkien’s experiences of WWI.
