“If there was more co-operation the world would be an easier place,” says the Bird O’Donnell as he covers up for a heinous crime in THE FIELD, by John B Keane, to be staged by Fourth Wall Laois Theatre Group in Birr on Saturday and in Dunamaise Arts Centre Portlaoise next Friday and Saturday, February 11-12.
Community co-operation has been key to the success of this production with Laois Public Participation Network (LPPN) supporting the group though the lean Covid period.
Early rehearsals on Zoom presented challenges but training from LPPN and Dunamaise management enabled the group to at least learn the script through restrictions.
Partners, children, and friends provided the necessary assistance with the new technology.
Local establishments such as Doogue’s Bar and restaurant and Manor Hotel Abbeyleix provided socially-distanced rehearsal spaces.
Andy’s Furniture Stradbally supplied props, B.M Lynch Construction and Civils transported the set, and Pat Buckley Photography took the photographs.
The group currently consists of members in the age range 18 to 80-something, but it has had members as young as 13 (Younger Charlie in DA).
The Cast and Crew come from all over Laois: Shona McDonald (Ballyroan), Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick (Raheen), Eamonn Delaney (Ballinakill), Geraldine Moore (Mounthrath), Jane Doheny (Mounthrath), Joe Murphy (Shanahoe), Paul Kenna (Abbeyleix), Bernard O’Reilly, (Portlaoise), John Kavanagh (Rathdowney), Vincent Hogan, (Ballyfin), Rishona Cuddy, (Castletown), Colman Young, (Portlaoise), Michael Brennan, (Spink), Tom Butler (Shanahoe), David Corri (Portlaoise), Noel Ryan (Stradbally), Denise Spillane (Portlaoise), Lar and Cathrine Scully (Portlaoise) and Keith Mason (Mounthrath).
The group has staged other plays by John B Keane and has been honoured by an invitation from the Writer’s Week Committee to perform THE FIELD in Listowel on Sunday June 5.
Other dates include Moate on Saturday March 5 and Mountmellick on March 26.
SEE ALSO – In Pictures: Laois School of Music Beginner Orchestra to perform in Dunamaise Arts Centre!
