The reinvigorated Island Drama Group brings its version of The Year of the Hiker to Halla Acla at the Fairgreen, Achill Sound on Saturday February 2. The Year of the Hiker is a demanding three-act play by John B Keane. Under the direction of JJ McNamara the complex drama deals with lots of human emotions, always acknowledging Keane’s humour even in the darkest situations. The Island Drama Group portrays all the complexities of the play in a high quality performance.
The play is set in the 60s in County Cork. After 20 years, ‘the Hiker’, (Anthony Lavelle ) returns home on the day of his daughter’s wedding. Terminally ill, he returns so that he can die in peace. His arrival is greeted more like a plague than that of long lost father. The effects of his return are portrayed by his interactions with each member of his family and their interactions with each other.
Freda (Ann Lavelle ) has always kept house with her sister Kate (Martina Calvey ) and helped raise her three children. Joe (Michael John Dever ) is a boy who became a man at 12 when his father left, and whose hard work improved the family’s fortune. Simey (Michael G Kilbane ) the younger son who qualified as a veterinary surgeon, displays the most aggressive attitude towards the Hiker. Mary (Ellen McGreil ) is the beautiful daughter who marries Dr Willie (Andrew Cafferkey ).
Some tickets are still available from Teresa in Sweeney’s drapery or Grainne at Calvey’s butchers, 083-4169440.
