Cootehill players to test the festival circuit water

Aisteoirí Muinchille are staging a trio of one act plays as they consider testing the water for the Drama Festivals.

“We are thinking of dipping our toe into the festival circuit, so we wanted to see how we would manage with the movement between places and the quick striking and different people directing - the only way to see if we’re able to do a great job with one acts is to do it - we’re giving it a go and we’re going to see how we get on.

“We spent all last autumn reading lots of different one acts. Whether it’s this year or next year we plan to move on to the festival circuit, so we want to see what kind of standard we have, and how the audience responds to it. Best way to test the water is to go and do it.”

Having read all those plays they settled on the following: The Donahue Sisters by Geraldine Aron directed by Sara Watson and starring Mary Brigid Duffy, Elaine Mc Quaid and Margaret Bannon.

Last Tango in Little Grimley by David Tristram directed by David Clarke and starring Tony Mc Mahon, Marie Revill, Angela Mc Crossan and Seamus Smith

I Can’t Remember Anything by Arthur Miller starring Tommy Mc Ardle and Sara Watson.

Together since 2014 they have challenged themselves by performing in different venues and different styles of plays, so this will be a fresh challenge.

The mini touring of these one acts will give them insight into how prepared they are to hit the festival stage.

Fiona is looking forward to see first hand “how we respond and how audiences respond as well”.

Aisteoirí Muinchille have a “core group”, and then some people who join their ranks depending on availability.

“Last year we got Tommy McArdle to come in and he directed us when we did The Power of Darkness.

“It was a huge production and we learned so much from Tommy in terms of set design, performance, rehearsals and strategies.

“We’re delighted to have him whenever he’s involved. He directed with RTE and in his heyday won best actor at the All Ireland Drama Festival, and he was an adjudicator. He’s bringing a very high standard to the group.”

Last Tango in Little Grimley and I Can’t Remember Anything will be performed in The Íontas Theatre Castleblayney on May 27.

Last Tango in Little Grimley and The Donahue Sisters will be performed in the The Garage Theatre Monaghan on June 3 and Townhall Cavan on June 10.