Local writers' work showcased at Culture Night drama event in Carrick-on-Suir castle

Carrick-on-Suir's Ormond Castle was the beautiful setting for the Tudor Artisan Hub’s Culture Night event of theatrical performances from five works by Irish and local writers and the great Shakespeare.

Carrick-on-Suir’s arts community pulled out all the stops to stage an Evening of Vignettes in the castle’s Long Gallery on Friday, September 19.

This was the 12th year Carrick-on-Suir’s Tudor Artisan Hub collective of artists, led by its founder Linda Fahy, hosted an event for National Culture Night.

An Evening of Vignettes, which Linda co-produced with local writer and actor Enda O’Driscoll, was an extraordinary celebration of creativity and community spirit combining the talents of local writers, actors and directors.

It featured performances of extracts from William Shakespeare’s famed A Midsummer’s Night Dream and the acclaimed Two for a Girl by Irish writers Mary Kelly and Noni Stapleton.

The event also included theatrical adaptations of essays – The Princess in Room 102 by Paul O’Keeffe and The Knock by Rehan Ali.

Particularly poignant was the rehearsed reading of the late Eoghan Power’s short drama – The King of Piccadilly.

Linda Fahy said the minimalist staging in the Long Gallery provided an intimate setting, allowing the narratives to resonate powerfully with the audience.

“Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing hopes for future performing arts showcases,” she said.

Linda and Enda O’Driscoll thank the team of 14 local writers, actors and directors who generously shared their time and talent, investing countless hours rehearsing for An Evening of Vignettes.

They include Jacquie Ahern, Rehan Ali, Pat Quinn-Bolger, Neill Bourke, Barry Comerford, Finn McLoughlin, Enda O’Driscoll, Aileen O’Keeffe, Paul O’Keeffe, Emma O’Leary, Colm Power, Sandra Power, Sheenagh Raggett and David Shee.

They also thank Tipperary County Council Arts Office Dennis Barry on lights/photography, Mary McGrath who was over wardrobe, hair and make up, Mala Raggett who was responsible for meeting and greeting, Noreen Duggan Photography, Brewery Lane Theatre for costumes and Will McLellan for stage lights.

Linda Fahy paid a heartfelt tribute to the Ormond Castle team and OPW for their support in making this dream event a reality.

More information on the Culture Night event is available on: https: //tudorartisanhub.myportfolio.com

Actress Pat Quinn-Bolger performing in the extract of Two for A Girl staged at Ormond Castle as part of An Evening of Vignettes. Picture Noreen Duggan

Check out this article and more photos from the Evening of Vignettes Culture Night event in this week's edition of The Nationalist now on sale in local shops. 

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