Described as “a surreal tale of love and death set on a County Louth beach during World War II”, Conall Quinn’s new play follows the hopes and dreams of a trio of characters and their fascination with the washed-up remains of fallen American airmen.
The Ones Who Kill Shooting Stars takes to the road this weekend and will arrive at Roscommon Arts Centre this Wednesday May 5. Actor Karl Quinn, who plays the part of Edward, took a break from rehearsals this week to talk about the play.
“The last week of rehearsals is always nerve-wrecking but we are in great shape. It’s going great,” he says.
“It is a very funny play, Conall has done a great job. The writer is asking questions about our relationship with the US and the wider world, and about a personal sense of loneliness. It does this by questioning our neutrality.”
The play is set two years into World War II, and the story centres around US airmen being washed up on the beaches of Ireland. “It is asking questions but it does it in a funny way. It sounds grim, but humour is at the forefront. It is great fun - it is a physical, funny, energetic play.”
Karl says he enjoys playing ‘loveable rogue’ Edward in the play.” Edward is employed as a coast-watcher, looking out for German planes. He is very cynical and mean, a thoroughly nasty character. He is a likeable rogue, a very familiar character - there are a lot of them going around at the moment.”
Also starring John Currivan, Duncan Lacroix, Aine Ni Laoghaire, and Conan Sweeny, and directed by Paul Hayes, The Ones Who Kill Shooting Stars is the second play to be developed under Upstate Live’s writers’ scheme, which seeks to encourage new writers and directors. The play will also show in Mullingar Arts Centre this Thursday May 6.
Karl says he enjoys being on the road with a new play. “I was in Roscommon and Mullingar last year with Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme. I am looking forward to going to the different theatres, we are always treated very well. The audiences like to stay and chat, it is always a pleasure.”
An original and highly entertaining work by a writer currently generating a lot of interest in Ireland, this promises to be a highly entertaining night of theatre.
For further information and to book your tickets, contact Roscommon Arts Centre box office at (090 ) 6625824.
