The participants in this year’s All-Ireland Drama Festival have now a set performance date in focus following confirmation of the finalists’ running order at the official draw which took place on Monday afternoon.
There was great excitement in the year as the various amateur drama groups gathered following a three year hiatus. As can be seen from the plays on offer this year’s theatre goers are in for a feast of drama, from two handers to a brand new play, comedy to poignancy and throw into the mix, a re-imagined classic myth!
The 2022 Festival opens on May 5 with Palace Players, Co Cork, who will perform the two hander ‘Chapatti’ by Christian O’Reilly, a poignant exploration of the importance of human companionship.
On May 6, former triple winners, Kilmeen Drama Group, Co Cork, will present Tom Murphy’s ‘Conversations on a Homecoming’ which takes us on a journey of self-discovery as friends gather after an absence of 10 years.
Moving to the south east, Bunclody-Kilmyshall Drama Group, Co Wexford, will perform ‘The Good Father’ on May 7. This, another two hander penned by Christian O’Reilly, reveals an unlikely love story about the unexpected consequences of a one night stand.
Next up on May 8 are Ballyduff Drama Group, Co Waterford. The first group to qualify as a finalist they will perform the poignant and moving ‘Rabbit Hole’ a Pulitzer Prize winning play by David Lindsay-Abaire which tells the story of a married couple, grieving the loss of their young son in a car accident.
Moving north, Butt Drama Circle, Co Donegal, present a brand-new play ‘An Incident with Dave Cotter’ on May 9. Set against the background of the events of Bloody Sunday, it was written and directed by actor, Shaun Byrne, a member of the award-winning group.
Double winners (2018/9 ) Prosperous Dramatic Society, Co Kildare, return to the festival to present the chaotic and at times savage comedy ‘God of Carnage’ by Yasmina Reza on May 10.
Kilrush Drama Group, from Co Wexford, present the Edinburgh Fringe First Award winning ‘Class’ by Iseult Golden & David Horan on May 11, an explosive triple confrontation which is both funny and heart-breaking.
Ballyshannon Drama Society, from Co Donegal, return to the festival to perform Arthur Miller’s first major work ‘All My Sons’ on May 12, an emotional play which has several twists and turns.
Former winners Dalkey Players, Co. Dublin, will close the festival on May 13. They will present ‘Eurydice’ by Sarah Ruhl, a re-imagination of the classic myth.
The 2022 Festival will take place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone from Thursday May 5, to Friday, May 13, inclusive with performances commencing nightly at 8pm.
The nine-day Festival, which is held under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland, showcases the very best of Irish amateur theatre and attracts hundreds of visitors from across the country to the Midlands every year.
Tickets are on sale from Friday, April 22, and can be booked through the Dean Crowe website at http://www.deancrowetheatre.com/ or at the theatre box office, phone (090 ) 6492129.
