THIS FRIDAY, Druid’s biggest project yet begins at the Town Hall Theatre with a performance of Tom Murphy’s Conversations On A Homecoming.
Over the course of the next two weeks, audiences will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the work of one of Ireland’s greatest living playwrights, when productions of Conversations, along with A Whistle in the Dark, and Famine, will be presented as part of DruidMurphy.
With DruidMurphy you can see each of the plays individually or all three in the one day. Still not sure what to see? Maybe the following will help.
Famine
This sweeping epic and rarely performed play features the entire 16 cast members of DruidMurphy.
The second crop of potatoes has failed and the community realises a potential crisis is looming. John Connor, played by Brian Doherty, does everything in his power to do the right thing by his family and his community by trying to stave off the worse effects of the blight. See it on May 31, June 1, and June 8.
A Whistle in the Dark
First premiered in London, Tom wrote this play sitting at his kitchen table in Tuam when he was just 26. Fifty-one years on, it remains remarkably fresh.
It is 1960. Michael Carney is an Irish emigrant living in Coventry with his wife Betty. At Michael’s request, they have been playing host for some time to Michael’s brothers, Harry, Iggy and Hugo.
While Michael has integrated well into English society, the same cannot be said of his brothers. Now the imminent arrival from Ireland of his father and younger brother cause tensions to boil over. See it on May 28 and 29 and on June 7
Conversations on a Homecoming
This is one of Tom Murphy’s best-loved plays. In the 1970s and even the humblest of small-town pubs can be a magnet for dreamers. Michael, recently returned from New York after a 10 year absence, has a reunion with old friends. He was the one who got away to live the dream. Now back home he begins a process of self-discovery as he observes the changes that have occurred since. See it on May 25 and 26 and on June 6
DruidMurphy Cycle Day
The DruidMurphy Cycle Day takes place on Sunday June 3 and Saturday 9 and will allow audiences to see all three plays together on the one day. It starts at 1.30pm and includes an afternoon and an evening break. A buffet dinner will be available at the theatre, supplied by Artisan on Quay Street.
DruidMurphy – Plays by Tom Murphy runs at the Town Hall Theatre from Friday May 25 to Saturday June 9. Tickets are from €18 and are available through 091 - 569777 and www.tht.ie See also www.druid.ie
