Graffiti Theatre Company And Fighting Words Cork Bring Young Talent To The Everyman Stage

By: Jun. 13, 2018
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Graffiti Theatre Company And Fighting Words Cork Bring Young Talent To The Everyman Stage Seven months ago nine young people were given the exciting news that they had been selected for the Young Playwrights Programme at Graffiti Theatre Company. A project supported by Landmark Productions, the Everyman and Cork Midsummer Festival, the programme would see their work developed for a staged reading alongside the world premiere stage adaptation of Louise O'Neill's 'Asking For It'.

Each of the young writers had submitted work that demonstrated a unique and captivating voice. From the outset of the programme it was clear that Cillian, Ella, Jessica, Sean, Róisin, Amaya, Amy, Hollie and Anna, were aware of the immense opportunity the Young Playwrights Programme offered.

Playwrights John McCarthy and Katie Holly mentored and supported the Young Playwrights through six months of workshops and theatre engagements, building not only their skills but also self-confidence as writers - something that came through strongly in the feedback from the Young Playwrights themselves.

As Róisín, one of the Young Playwrights explains: "Through the Young Playwrights Programme, I have met the most creative genuine people. I hoped for friends and positive creative thinkers and I wasn't disappointed... One in four people will be affected by a mental health disorder in their lifetime. I am one of those people. Writing has empowered and saved me. I love the programme. The playwriting workshops make me feel independent and confident in my work. I am creating my own universe, I can ask for help if I need it."

The series of workshops which these young people have engaged in has been truly transformative, far more powerful than simply assembling words on pages.

This enriching collaborative environment has acted as a catalyst for the unique voices of the Young Playwrights and led to the creation of nine compelling pieces.

The staged readings will be directed by Niall Cleary of Graffiti Theatre Company, Regina Crowley of Gaitkrash Theatre Company, and Julie Kelleher of the Everyman. The readings will feature some of the Asking for It company: Venetia Bowe, Kwaku Fortune, Síle Maguire, Amy McElhatton and Darragh Shannon. The readings will take place on the Everyman stage at 2pm on Friday 22nd June, with a running time of approximately two hours with interval. Age recommendation is 12+. Admission is FREE but ticketed. See everymancork.com for more details.

Funded through an Arts Council Open Call Award.

The Everyman is a non-profit theatre dedicated to the production and presentation of top quality performing arts for Cork and Irish audiences. As a receiving house, it is a major link in the Irish infrastructure for touring Irish and international performance, offering audiences in Cork the very best of theatre, opera, dance, live music and stand-up comedy.

As a producing house, it is central to Cork's vibrant cultural ecology and is hugely committed to supporting and showcasing the work of established and emerging theatre artists. Recent productions include the world premiére of Kevin Barry's Autumn Royal (2017), the Irish premiére of Lynda Radley's Futureproof, Frank McGuinness' The Factory Girls (2016), Sean O'Casey's Juno and the Paycock (2016), Charles Gounod's Faust (2015), David Greig's The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart (2015) and Brian Friel's Lovers (2015).

The 2018 programme includes premium theatre events such as the world premiére of Asking for It, the Everyman's production of Martin MacDonagh's The Lonesome West and the world premiere staging of John O'Brien's brand new opera The Nightingale and the Rose as well as a national tour of Kevin Barry's critically acclaimed Autumn Royal.

 


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