Latest news with #JunoandthePaycock
Irish Independent
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Kennedy Summer School in Wexford will feature Colm Tóibín, Sean O'Rourke and a film narrated by Hollywood star Colin Farrell
Those present were treated to an insight as to what this year's line up has to offer, which was outlined by former RTÉ News journalist and Kennedy Summer School Co-Director, Eileen Dunne. 'Suffice to say, a lot has happened since we launched the 2024 summer school in Dublin on July 4. Last year, we had a brochure on whose cover were Joe Biden and Donald Trump... And look what happened since,' Ms Dunne remarked in her opening words. "To quote Captain Boyle from Seán O'Casey's, Juno and the Paycock, 'the whole world is in a terrible state o' chassis', now, if we were to say that in August to our American visitors, they wouldn't have a clue what we were talking about. But we all know,' she continued, gripping the attention of all in attendance. Ms Dunne then pointed out that American's 'see things differently' from across the water, which is what makes the discussions all the more interesting. At the top of the distinguished guests from America to this year's summer school is former CNN White House correspondent, Jim Acosta. Also returning from Purdue University, is former Mayor, Greg Ballard, who was in attendance at last year's event and who commented on the civility of the discourse. 'He couldn't believe that people could actually stand up on a stage and have a decent 'agree to disagree', agreeably, basically, and so he's coming back to see us,' Ms Dunne shared. 'We're going to get insights from America. We're also going to look at the impact of the Trump presidency on us here in Ireland, on Europe, on Ukraine,' Ms Dunne continued. "We'll be welcoming Tony Connor, who's a favourite here at the summer school to chair that particular debate. Then when we look at some problems closer to home, we're going to look at trade, obviously, tariffs. We're going to look at housing, some of the things that are implicating on us here, and then talk about elections. "There's nothing like an Irish presidential election, and while we may not be able to announce because we don't have any runners or riders yet, we do hope to have some by the end of August, and even if we don't, we'll have some pundits to talk about the difference by people who have worked on presidential elections and general elections, and to talk about the difference between votes all furthering the whole Kennedy legacy of civilised discussion and information,' she said. For those who may find that 'politics gets too much' there is the cultural program with two 'very special events' over the weekend. Those events include, Thursday night's Wexford premier screenings of the film adaptation of the documentary series, From that Small Island, which was created by one of the school's directors, the acclaimed writer and filmmaker, Bríona NicDhiarmada. This feature-length documentary, From That Small Island, is narrated by award-winning actor Colin Farrell and features an original score by renowned composer Colm Mac Con Iomaire. The film will be screened at St. Michael's Theatre on Thursday, August 28 at 6:45 p.m. Shot across 17 countries, from Barbados to Belgium, Singapore to Switzerland, and across the entire island of Ireland, with many highlights featured from Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny, the film presents a compelling narrative of Irish history and influence. Contributors include former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, among many other voices from around the globe. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more A follow-up discussion will be held with Colm Mac Con Iomaire, 'a wonderful musician who composed the music for the documentary film' who will outline what the composition process was like, and 'hopefully play for us as well'. The second event, on Friday night will be The Noel Whelan Interview, hosted by Sinéad McSweeney, with the long sought-after guest, Colm Tóibín. Ms Dunne also said she's 'expecting political sparks to fly this year' as Sean Connick, former TD, will be interviewing journalist Sean O'Rourke. Dr Brian Murphy, also a director at the Kennedy Summer School, announced at the launch that there will be a focus on The Great Gatsby novel, as scholars from the US will make the journey to New Ross to showcase masterclasses for Leaving Certificate students with follow-up discussions. His announcement at the launch was filled with enthusiasm and passion, a speech which almost led into a full discussion on the matter with an enthralled audience in tow. Other events over the three days will include the annual Afternoon Tea Party, a panel discussion on the role of local journalism, trade sessions and the Marion and Cal Roadshow. The Cathaoirleach of New Ross District Council, Councillor John Dwyer, spoke at the launch and said that while he would have had 'issues with constantly focusing on American politics,' he added, 'but of course, American politics affects everybody in the world, whether they like it or not.' 'The Kennedy Summer School has had many, many distinguished guests," Cllr Dwyer continued, outlining that there is a unique space created by the organisation where healthy debates can take place on the most controversial topics, and in the most diplomatic way. "The contribution of this event to the lifeblood and the uplifting of New Ross has been superb. New Ross is in a place now where we never thought we would be, thanks to people like Eamonn Hore and Alan Fitzhenry and the entire team from Wexford County Council. We're making huge progress in areas that were always derelict. "People accepted that Brennan's Lane would always be derelict, but there was no need for that. And so with, with the foresight of this team of people from Wexford County Council, and, of course, Mick McCormick, former town clerk, who needs to be acknowledged too, because Mick has done a huge amount of work in terms of tackling dereliction in the town, we're in a place now where we were never before. "There's a real mood of buoyancy in the town, and this is going to continue because of all of these people involved in the likes of Wexford County Council and organisations like the Kennedy Summer School and I look forward to a very, very successful event this year,' the Cathoirleach concluded. The 13th annual Kennedy Summer School will take place in New Ross from August 28 to August 30, 2025 and is presented in association with the Office of Public Works, New Ross District Council, Wexford County Council, Purdue University, and Fáilte Ireland. Tickets for the events can be purchased through
Irish Post
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Eileen Walsh and Risteárd Cooper among stars who turned out for Dancing at Lughnasa opening night
ACTORS Eileen Walsh and Risteárd Cooper were among the stars who turned out for the opening night of Dancing at Lughnasa in Dublin this week. The Gate Theatre production of Brien Friel's classic is running at the 3Olympia Theatre until July 26. It is the first time a Gate Theatre production has transferred to the 3Olympia in 35 years. The last show to do so was a version of Sean O'Casey's Juno and the Paycock in 1990. Eileen Walsh attended the production of Brian Friel's masterpiece Dancing at Lughnasa at 3Olympia Theatre (Pics: Rolling News) "We are thrilled to rekindle our historic relationship with the Olympia Theatre", said Gate Theatre Executive Director Colm O'Callaghan ahead of the show's opening. "Our strategic vision is that of an 'Open Gate' where everyone has access to great theatre, and playing to 3Olympia's summer audiences is a great way to help us realise this and to expand our audience." Risteard Cooper pictured with daughters Sadhbh and Nora at the opening night O'Callaghan added: "Collaborating with 3Olympia also means that our own stage is available to deliver on other key strategic goals such as premiering contemporary international plays." This week stars were out in force to watch the show, including Cork native Walsh, Dublin born Cooper, costume designer Joan Bergin and television presenter Maia Dunphy. TV presenter Maia Dunphy attended the opening night performance The critically acclaimed production is directed by Caroline Byrne, with a cast that features Lauren Farrell, Peter Gowen and Pauline Hutton. Set in Friel's fictional town of Ballybeg in Donegal in 1936, the story follows the lives of the five Mundy sisters. The award-winning costume designer Joan Bergin was also in attendance The play originally premiered in 1990 at Dublin's Abbey Theatre. A revival at the National Theatre in London in 2023 featured Ardal O'Hanlon and Siobhán McSweeney.
Irish Examiner
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Fergus Finlay: Skorts row might seem silly but it highlights a bigger issue
The world is in a terrible state of chassis, son. That was an expression my father used to use a lot when I was a kid. In fact, it was his explanation for everything — why we couldn't have the immersion on; why the buses or the banks were on strike; why the weather was too miserable to allow us to go down to the seafront in Bray. I never knew quite what it meant, although it seemed to sum everything up perfectly. Especially the things for which there wasn't a proper explanation in the first place. It wasn't until years later that I discovered that the phrase was actually the last line in Sean O'Casey's great play Juno and the Paycock. It was uttered by the Paycock himself, Captain Jack Boyle, right at the end, as he sinks into drunken despair. This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in Subscribe to access all of the Irish Examiner. Annual €120€60 Best value Monthly €10€4 / month Unlimited access. Subscriber content. Daily ePaper. Additional benefits.
Extra.ie
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Gate Theatre to bring classic show to 3Olympia this summer
Brian Friel's classic play Dancing at Lughnasa is set to have a run at the 3Olympia Theatre from June 27 to July 26. Produced by the Gate Theatre, which previously staged the show in a sold-out run last year, the revival marks the first time a Gate show has been presented on the 3Olympia stage in 35 years, since Sean OCasey's Juno and the Paycock in 1990. 'We are thrilled to rekindle our historic relationship with the Olympia Theatre', said Gate Theatre Executive Director Colm O'Callaghan. 'Our strategic vision is that of an 'Open Gate' where everyone has access to great theatre, and playing to 3Olympias summer audiences is a great way to help us realise this and to expand our audience.' O'Callaghan also added: 'Collaborating with 3Olympia also means that our own stage is available to deliver on other key strategic goals such as premiering contemporary international plays.' The critically acclaimed production will be once again directed by Caroline Byrne, and features a cast including Lauren Farrell, Peter Gowen, and Pauline Hutton. Set in 1936 in the fictional Donegal town of Ballybeg, Dancing at Lughnasa follows the lives of the five Mundy sisters. The play originally premiered in 1990 at the Abbey Theatre and has since become one of Friels most celebrated plays. Considered one of the greatest Irish playwrights of all time, Friel's body of work also includes other classics such as Translations , Philadelphia Here I Come! , and Faith Healer . Tickets for Dancing at Lughnasa are on sale now and can be found here.
Boston Globe
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Boston's theater community loses an influential founder
Ritchell, who died Dec. 30, 2024, leaves a rich legacy of committing to and nurturing some of Boston's best actors, directors, and designers (including Elliot Norton Award winners Advertisement 'Ron was a lovable curmudgeon and a craftsman actor with a particular stage presence,' said Plum, who was cast in one of the company's earliest productions, 'Dial M for Murder,' when she was a Boston University undergraduate. 'He and Polly were incredibly driven theater people and their knowledge of British theater was massive,' she said. 'They were among the pioneers of Boston theater who were committed to building a strong theater community here.' Ritchell worked as both an actor and director, giving memorable performances in such classics as 'A Moon for the Misbegotten' and 'Juno and the Paycock,' as well as in a much-beloved holiday production of Dylan Thomas's 'A Child's Christmas in Wales' that was adapted and directed by Hogan. At the Lyric, Ritchell and Hogan also produced 25 world premieres, but were best known for introducing Boston audiences to the relationship comedies of Alan Ayckbourn, and memorable productions of works by Noel Coward and George Bernard Shaw. Advertisement 'Ron, in his time, was a pillar of local theater, hiring local actors,' said actor Jeremiah Kissel, 'the one union contract in Boston for Boston actors when there were only three contract houses in town — the Huntington, ART, and the Lyric. Only Ron Ritchell and Polly Hogan did a full seven-show season using only local performers, and by doing so launched many career actors and actresses who successfully built lives right here in Boston.' Their commitment to local actors was also demonstrated by their leadership in launching the Theater Community Benevolent Fund (along with Mary C. Huntington, founder of the Nora Theatre), which provides confidential, financial relief to theater artists facing hardship. After leaving the Lyric in 1998, Ritchell and Hogan launched Lyric West before retiring first to Canada and then to Florida. Hogan passed away in 2023.
