The BA in Contemporary and Applied Theatre Studies at Mary Immaculate College presents their summer repertory season with two exciting and rarely seen theatrical works, taking the Lime Tree Theatre stage over three days in early May.
The Enchantment by Victoria Benedictsson adapted by Clare Bayley
Director: Shane Hickey O’Meara
Lime Tree Theatre May 4-6.
The extraordinary and mesmeric play by the little-known Swedish author who was reputedly a model for Miss Julie and Hedda Gabler is presented by the first-year students.
One sunny day in Paris, Gustave Alland, famous artist and philanderer, visits Louise Strandberg – convalescing in her brother’s studio – and casts her effortlessly under his spell. In a vain attempt to escape, she exiles herself to her provincial hometown in Sweden. But a letter propels her back to Paris and into his arms. And for a brief moment, ecstasy is hers.
The Victoria Benedictsson play was written shortly before her suicide in 1888. This English version by Clare Bayley was first staged at the National Theatre, London, in July 2007.
Futureproof by Lynda Radley
Director: Ann Blake
Lime Tree Theatre May 4-6.
This magical and deeply compassionate play about identity and the capacities of the human spirit is presented by the fourth-year students.
At a time when science and religion have conspired to make freak shows shameful, Robert Riley, owner of Riley’s Odditorium, struggles to find ways to keep his company afloat. There’s no money in the coffers and they’ve had to eat the horse. Only the mermaid act is bringing in the punters and she’s just holding her breath…
Lynda Radley’s play Futureproof was first staged at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, in August 2011, in a co-production with Dundee Rep. It won an Edinburgh Fringe First Award. The Irish premiere took place at The Everyman in June 2017 as part of Cork Midsummer Festival.
All tickets: €15/€10 from Limetree Theatre Box Office – Tel 061 953 400 www.limetreetheatre.ie
