McDonagh classic to thrill Athlone audiences
Athlone Little Theatre’s second play of the season is hilariously funny, full of exciting and unexpected twists, that will leave the audiences guessing right to the end in a detective mystery of sorts.
From the pen of Oscar-winning Martin McDonagh, ‘A Skull in Connemara' is the second of his popular Leenane trilogy, which also includes ‘The Beauty Queen of Leenane’ and ‘The Lonesome West.
It premiered in June 1997 and toured globally, for five years to great acclaim.
The play described by the Irish Times as McDonagh’s “richest drama” and lauded for its “comedic value from his eclectic storytelling” will run in Athlone Little Theatre from Friday, October 25 to Friday, November 1. As usual, there will be a Sunday matinee on October 27 at 3pm.
For one week each autumn, Mick Dowd (Ronan Flynn) is hired to disinter the bones in certain sections of his local graveyard to make room for new arrivals. As the time approaches for him to dig up those of his late wife Una, strange rumours regarding his involvement in her sudden death seven years ago gradually begin to resurface.
It is understandable that within the tightly knit community of Leenane, he is both resented and somewhat feared. He has 'served time’ inside and done his community service, but there is no way to determine the guilt or innocence of Mick Dowd.
His nightly visitor is Maryjohnny Rafferty, played by Tina O’Hara. Maryjohnny plays her cards close to her chest, to ensure her nightly 'sup’ of poteen from the most notorious man in the parish. Are we ever sure of what she knows and suspects? Is she perhaps the only truth in this play, or is she just as scheming as the rest of them? Tina O’Hara never lets her guard down and is a constant brooding presence as Maryjohnny.
The seemingly idiotic grandson of Maryjohnny, Mairtin, played brilliantly by Athlone Little Theatre newcomer Sean Doyle from Tullamore, is often the wisest and only voice of truth in this play. This is Sean’s second play, and he has a long and bright future ahead of him on stage.
Thomas Hanlon, the local guard, is played by the experienced Pat Canty.
He views the death of Una as one of a number of unsolved crimes that deserve further attention—crimes that, he hopes, might earn him the professional status he deserves. Thomas lives his life through fiction, trying to be something that he is not. He is so determined to prove Mick’s guilt that he ignores the evidence in front of him. Pat Canty brings a great sense of the ridiculous and pathetic to this role.
Rooted in the dark and complex society of Leenane, Martin McDonagh's 'A Skull in Connemara' is a terrific play to stage and to enjoy as an audience member, according to director Chrissie Killian.
“While the subject matter may seem bizarre and grizzly, it's hilariously funny, full of exciting and unexpected twists, that should leave the audiences guessing and searching for the truth all the way home. The four characters are very credible, and the glimpses of their weaknesses and humanity shine through the mystery and comedy of the play.
“The stunning scene change, from Connemara cottage to graveyard and back again, is unlike anything previously staged and should present the perfect atmosphere for a dramatic night out over the Halloween week,” adds Chrissie.
The mind-blowing set was designed by Ronan McGrane and Tom O’Neill and very cleverly executed and built by Ronan McGrane, assisted by Brian Foy, Maresa Kelly and Michelle Kelly. The impressive lighting for this play by Paddy Martin and John Allen.
Stage Manager for this production is Maresa Kelly, and she is ably assisted by the stage crew of Brian Foy, Aidan Ruane, Sinead Connolly and Michelle Kelly. Set decoration by Ronan McGrane, Maresa Kelly, Michelle Kelly, Chrissie Killian.
Special thanks to Jane Walsh of the Button Studio, (maker of button jewellery and fine crafts), who made the plaster mould, from which over sixty clay skulls were carefully crafted, to be used in each night's production.