THE aroma of turf burning at The Locke Bar fuelled lively insight into John B’s ‘The Field’ and its relevance today. Meeting to announce two runs at Belltable Arts Centre, beginning Thursday February 9 for three nights and Wednesday 15 for four, Quarrry Players were lit by the challenge of Quarry’s third tilt at ‘The Field’. Timing seems to be right, given our national paroxysm on property. Chairperson Niamh O’Mara pointed out that 25 years have passed since this Limerick theatre group looked at the story of Bull McCabe’s acre, his struggle to gather unto him what is his.
“We went left-field with ‘Rabbit Hole’ in 2011 and have tried to diversify over the years but have to acknowledge that Limerick people love John B. Keane and love to see his work. This year, we are looking for box office gold as we have had sponsors from time to time but essentially, rely on ticket sales for the next show”.
40 years on the boards, Quarry Players makes the unfunded pitch annually with dramas by Friel, Farrel, Keane and episodic others. Stalwarts such as vice chair Jimmy Leonard keep the show pony on the road.
She’s appreciative of Na Piarsaigh GAA and rehearsal space at Red Cross Hall, and delighted that the February run is in two parts: “The 1st week is about work getting around for the following four days”.
This spirit of optmisim is shared by Jimmy Deery (Mick), involved with every production since 1995. ‘The Field’ is his first John B. since ‘The Chastitute’ in 2001. Founding member John Quigley (“I am four-score and five!”) reprises his role as The Bishop with vigour.
“I directed and had the major part in Quarry’s first play in 1970, ‘Shadow and Substance’ and got hammered in the press for it. We were completely green as a drama group but we soldiered on. I’ve since taken part in about 40 productions, 10 one act plays, four films and two pantomimes”.
Mr Quigley is now a man who knows a good director from the other and piled glowy embers under the direction of John Anthony Murphy.
“John Murphy is very good. He’s passionate and he takes no prisoners. You do it right or hear about it the length and breadth of the this town. This is his sixth time directing for us”.
Reader, Arts page goes in search of Mr Murphy – ex-Island Theatre Company, ‘Angela’s Ashes’ – in next week’s coloumn for his spake on Keane.
