Mount Temple Drama Group returns to stage following pandemic

The Mount Temple Drama Group will make its return to the stage next month following a three-year hiatus.

The drama group will perform a production of John B. Keane's play 'Sharon's Grave' in Tuar Ard, Moate, from Wednesday, November 16, to Saturday, November 19.

According to treasurer Cathal Slevin, Covid killed off drama and performing for the village the past number of years.

Mr Slevin said: “It's great to be back. Because of Covid people were so mad to get back into drama. There's a great dynamic this year. People are so eager to get back. People in the community say they can't wait for the drama to come back.”

The local group is now seeking members for behind the scenes work such as stage management, lighting, makeup and costumes, music and sound effects, building and painting sets, front of house staff and prompting.

“We're trying to get new members and build a more youthful drama group," he said.

The drama group has been running for over 20 years and has 40 members at present and currently practices twice weekly in the local community hall.

Mr Slevin is enthusiastic about encouraging more people to try drama for the first time. “Come down to the hall and give it a try. A lot of people don't realise how much they enjoy it until they try it.”

The treasurer added that it requires confidence to act but that they have so many different areas for people to get involved in. “You don't have to be an actor.”

The group focuses on Irish playwrights and likes to mix it up between drama and comedy. “We'll probably do a comedy to lighten things up next year. We don't pigeon hole ourselves into one genre,” concluded Mr Slevin.

The Mount Temple Drama Group often organises workshops and held a professional workshop in tandem with the Drama League of Ireland last May.

General admission tickets to Mount Temple Drama Group's production of Sharon's Grave' cost €12 plus a booking fee and are available here