A moving and Funny Story of Community and the Power of Friendship, by Christian O'Reilly
Paddy sits on the same bench outside his flat every night, unable to sleep since the death of his wife. His elderly neighbour Imelda does her best to drive him indoors, but there’s no talking to him. Then one day Paddy is annoyed to find a troubled young man called Tony sitting on his benchhâ?
A moving, funny and inspiring play about two broken men trying to make their way back from the margins, ‘Here we are again still’ embarks on a nationwide tour this May as part of The Bealtaine Festival 2011. Directed by Andrew Flynn (Decadent Theatre), the cast features Eamonn Hunt (‘The Running Mate’), Andy Kellegher (‘Playboy of the Western World’) and Brid Ni Neachtain (‘Cre Na Cille’, ‘Ros na Run’).
This is a very funny but moving story of two men and a woman who discover friendship on the sideline of a pitch as they both try to rebuild their lives. This play tells a human story of loneliness, friendship and ultimately, shows the uplifting and positive side of life. Dealing with themes such as cancer, bereavement, drug addiction and loneliness, this is a powerful story. While it is a moving playing, it is also very funny and audiences will be laughing from the get-go.
The show was first produced during Galway Theatre Festival. The play was a special commission as part of ‘Public Art Galway’ and ‘Galway City Council’s % for Arts Initiative’. Playwright Christian O’Reilly (‘The Good Father’ and ‘Inside I’m Dancing’) drew inspiration from the personal experiences of residents of Walter Macken Place, Mervue, Galway through a series of storytelling workshops.
O’Reilly spoke about his experience of the commission: "This project gave me the opportunity to get to know a community I might otherwise never have known. This - the chance to engage on that level with a community - is one of the things I love about the ‘Per Cent for Art’ initiative. Those who participated in our story-telling sessions were enthusiastic, open and interesting. It was a privilege to meet them and to get to know them. Their stories gave me a sense of them as people and of the world of Walter Macken Place.”
In Irish society, so many live and work in isolation. This show is a fine example of how community can bring people back together, facilitating an escape from circumstantial and sometimes self imposed separation and lifestyles. Community, interaction, sport and recognition of our common human spirit serve to bring us together in countless important ways. ‘Here we are again still’ is ultimately a hopeful, uplifting and inspiring show for all of us, individuals, groups and communities.
‘Here We Are Again Still’ by Christian O’Reilly plays for one night only at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare. For bookings call 045 448327 or visit www.riverbank.ie
“O’Reilly both localises and universalises the action: he celebrates the people who inspired the play, but tells a story that could be set almost anywhereeâ?. Moves with fluidity and dynamism” The Irish Times
“A realistic portrayal of what it’s like to live alone in a small community. A fascinating playyâ?A funny, moving drama.” The Connacht Tribune
