By Aoife McLoughlin
TAKE a best-selling author – slated by the critics, struggling to gain approval – an Estonian smuggler and a student writer dabbling in meditation. Put them together and what do you get? No, not a peek into life in a busy metropolis apartment block. This is ‘Men Without Souls’, the latest theatre work by County Limerick playwright John Sheehy.
Co-founder of Callback Theatre production company, Sheehy now returns from a nationwide tour with his acclaimed piece ‘Fred and Alice’, to premiere this comedy.
“For ‘Men Without Souls’, I was interested in putting together a blend of people with no redeeming qualities and seeing how they got on,” says the writer, explaining his inspiration behind this “soul-less and humorous” (not) tale of a trio entwined in selfishness.
“Friar’s Gate have always been so supportive… This is quite a big production in terms of set and it’s exciting. It fantastic to be supported by your home town and have the run of the theatre.”
“I expect the audience to be surprised.This is a completely different production [to previous works]. ‘Men Without Souls’ is a dark comedy, darker than I have ever done before and you won’t be bored.”
It was awarded funding by Limerick City of Culture and Ballyhoura Development and will premiere in Kilmallock Tuesday October 14 to Sunday 19.
Garnering Artist in Residence status for his second year at Friar’s Gate Theatre, he is already working on a new production, ‘The Hole’ for Spring 2015. Call Back Theatre is back on the road immediately on October 20 with ‘Fred and Alice’ for Imagine Arts Festival in Waterford.
For bookings go to www.friarsgate.ie
