Lane Productions will bring their forthcoming production of John B Keane’s award-winning play The Field to the Royal Theatre, Castlebar in February next year. It will be directed by Joe Dowling. Brian Dennehy will perform the iconic role of ‘The Bull’ McCabe. The play comes to The Royal Theatre Castlebar in its debut on Thursday February 24 with performances until Saturday February 26 2011.
The Field captivated audiences in 1965 and has been doing so ever since. Its dark story burrows deep into the heart of rural Ireland in the late fifties. At its core is the enduring link between the Irish people and the land. It is based on the true story of the 1959 murder of Moss Moore, a bachelor farmer. His neighbour, Dan Foley, with whom Moore had a long-standing dispute over a right of way, was believed to have committed the murder. Foley’s family denied the charge and no one was ever brought to justice. The play does not hide from the truth and the dark portrayal of life in North Kerry has struck a chord with audiences throughout the world.
John B Keane is one of Ireland’s most popular playwrights whose plays have always reflected a deep knowing and understanding of rural life. The Field is one of his best plays. In 1990 the play was adapted into a film staring Richard Harris and John Hurt. The work left a mark on Keane. He received volumes of hate mail and for thirty years on the anniversary of the murder he received a single white feather in the post. The enveloped was post marked with a Kerry stamp but was there was never an accompanying note. Keane died in 2002 aged 73 years.
The Field is on the Junior Cert reading list for 2011. For school bookings and group rates please contact Deirdre or Ann Marie on 094 90 23111. The play will run at 8pm from Thursday February 24 to Saturday February 26, and on Friday February 25 there will be a special matinee show at 12noon for students. Tickets for the show cost between €20 and 30, for more information contact the box office on 0818 300 000 or log on to www.ticketmaster.ie For group sales contact Ann Marie / Deirdre 094 90 23111.
