The esteemed Irish play ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ will be performed over two weekends in Maleny this month. The 1990 play by Brian Friel is set in County Donegal in 1936. It looks at the lives of five unmarried sisters, as remembered by the illegitimate son of the youngest. They are beset by financial hardship, emotional repression and a changing world in which old certainties are eroded. Their older brother is a priest, just returned after years in Africa, with very unorthodox ideas.
According to director Andrew Wallace, the play is a great example of what live theatre can do uniquely well. “The audience becomes involved in an intense and intimate way that screen entertainment cannot match. It is a deeply affecting play,” he said.
Andrew said he could not recall such a uniformly talented cast in the last decade, including local identity Joe Lynch, known for his poetry recitals, and newcomer Theresa Horgan. Both have had useful advice to ensure the play is faithful to its time and place.
Each of the Friday performances will be preceded by ‘Irish Night’, starting at 6pm, when patrons will be able to enjoy Irish stew and a Guinness while listening to live music.
WHERE: The Playhouse, Maleny Showgrounds
WHEN : June 9,10,11 and 16,17,18
TIX: $20-$25 Malenyplayers.org
