One of the most remarkable theatrical performances of the summer in the west was the Abbey Acts’ production of The Quiet Man, held in the unusual location of a goods shed at an abandoned railway station. However, it provided the catalyst for a string of performances which captured the imagination of Quiet Man fans and drama afficionados and saw the production being brought this weekend to An Taibhdhearc in Galway
In July of this year Abbey Acts Drama group, in association with the Ballyglunin Railway Restoration Project, joined forces to stage Ireland's premiere of Maurice Walsh's The Quiet Man play, adapted for stage by Chicago playwright Frank Mahon.
The play was performed in an old store house at Ballyglunin Train Station, where scenes from the famous John Forde classic movie were filmed back in 1951.
The beautiful old ruin was temporarily transformed into an intimate theatre setting to host up to 180 people, and for the first time in over 60 years, Ballyglunin, or 'Castletown' as it was known in the film, welcomed the return of The Quiet Man.
Following three sell out performances, the event raised just over €4000 to aid the much needed restoration efforts at the historical site. Recently the joint efforts of these community groups received a 'highly commended' Get Involved 2013 Award from President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uacthtaráin.
Frank Mahon cleverly adapted the story of The Quiet Man for stage, without making any attempt to reconstruct the original John Ford movie.
Abbey Acts continue their successful road show in an effort to raise further funds for the restoration works at Ballyglunin Station, with new dates set for performances at An Taibhdearc, Galway on tomorrow Friday September 27 and Saturday September 28, commencing at 8.00 p.m. Tickets available online via An Taibhdearc or call (091 ) 562024.
