The Moat Club Programme 2007

kindly sponsored by Sherry Fitzgerald O'Reilly, Naas.

A DOLL'S HOUSE by Henrik Ibsen - Tues 20th – Sat 24th February

Directed by Frank Kirke, he has chosen to employ the new translation of "A Doll's House" by Frank McGuinness.

Ibsen's play shocked audiences in 1879 with its radical insights into the social roles of husband and wife. His portrayal of the flawed heroine, Nora, is still one of the most striking dramatic theatrical depictions of late-nineteenth century women. Our accomplished and talented team includes Anne Delaney who plays Nora and we look forward to taking this on the road, having entered several festivals on the All-Ireland circuit.

THREE ONE ACTS - Tues 17th – Sat 21st April

"The Tinker's Wedding" by John Millington Synge. Directed by Paddy Travers, "The Tinker's Wedding" was never performed during Synge's lifetime. It was considered "too dangerous" for production by Yeats and Lady Gregory because of its less-than-favourable depiction of a priest. This entertaining farce is swept along on a lyrical torrent of wild whirling musical language.

"One For The Road" by Harold Pinter. Directed by Paddy Travers, "One For The Road" was first staged in 1984. Pinter states that he wrote the play in anger at the abuse of political prisoners around the world. This powerful short play is a brutal savage commentary on state terrorism.

"Macbeth" by William Shakespeare. Directed by Lianne O'Brien, this "Macbeth" production is an abridged version, adapted from the original text. Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's great tragic dramas - it has perhaps the most distilled vision of evil of any of his plays. It is a story rife with moral ambiguity, corrupting power, murder and deception. In this production, an ensemble of nine actors will deconstruct the text and explore different narrative forms to convey this tale full of "sound and fury". This is the Scottish Play, but (typical of the mystery that so often surrounds it) not perhaps, as we know it.

MOLL by John B. Keane - Tues 19th – Sat 23rd June

Directed by Pat Callaghan, "Moll" is perhaps the funniest of Keane's plays. It is a hilarious look at life in a parochial house in 1960s rural Ireland. Keane lampoons the natural perceptions of parish order and leaves us in no doubt as to who is running the local affairs.

"NULLI SECUNDUS" - Tues 24th - Sat 28th July

This slot represents a more recent addition to our annual programme of events. The intention behind this is a space for less commercial theatre e.g. mime, dance, puppetry or other mixed media in addition to new writing.

We have not concluded on this entry but in principle it may either comprise a series of short presentations or a single production. Please watch out for future communications!

"DAWN TO SUNDOWN" - Thurs 20th – Sat 22nd September

This is designated for rehearsed readings or shorter plays or even a combination. As always, this section serves to lull us gently back into the autumn/winter season after the summer break. Please watch out for future communications re this slot!

A DELICATE BALANCE by Albert Albee - Tues 23rd – Sat 27th October

Directed by Wilma O'Keefe, "A Delicate Balance" is set in affluent, suburban America where Agnes and Tobias steadfastly maintain standards, traditions and values. Relationships become fractured with the return of their recently divorced daughter and an uninvited visit from their "dear friends" Edna and Harry. They are finding it difficult to maintain a "delicate balance".

ANNUAL PANTO - THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS - Fri 30th November – Sat 15th December (selected dates only)

Written and directed by Brendan Farrell, you can expect the usual festive fun and frolics from the team at the Moat - oh yes you can!