Táin March launch at new show
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A new adaptation of the story of An Táin Bo Cuilgne is Quintessence Theatre Company’s parting gift to An Táin Arts Centre as they end their four year residency in Dundalk.
This retelling of the great legend sees the emphasis placed firmly on Queen Meave, who gets to put forward her version of the events which led to her bringing her army across the country from Connaught to capture the Brown Bull of Cooley.
In this new production, Quintessence use their hallmark physical theatre to tell the story from a new perspective of the Queen, breathing new life into this famous tale of marital rivalry and jealously.
Maeve sets out to revenge old wrongs and to trump her husband by sending her army across country to capture the famed Brown Bull of Cooley.
It seems as though her daring plan will succeed as the famous warriors of Ulster are stricken by a mysterious illness until their greatest warrior Chu Chullain steps up to defend his homeland.
The production is directed by Anna Simpson, and the cast comprises Fiona Keenan O’Brien, Anthony Kinahan, Lee Rossiter, Karen Kelly and James Reilly who play multiple roles.
The set and costumes have been designed by Sophie Barlow, with Anthony Quill as technical designer.
Executive producer and director of An Táin Arts Centre, Paul Hayes says ‘We are so excited to be launching the Tain March Festival on the same night as the premier of Warrior of an Táin. The fact that it is happening in An Táin Arts Centre in heaven.’
2019 Táin March Festival will be launched at 7pm with a drinks reception sponsored by Carlingford Brewing Company, who brew the Donn Cuailnge brown ale. Speeches from the founding committee members is a match made and Louth County Council Chief Executive Joan Martin will be followed by a performance by fiddler Gerry O’Connor of his original composition ‘ The Táin March’.
The curtain will go up on ‘Warrior of the Táin’ at 8pm.
During the interval, audience members can enjoy award-winning locally sourced chowder from the Glyde Inn Annagassan, if they pre-order it through An Táin Arts Centre website. For just €7, they will get a bowl of chowder containing white fish, smoked haddock, Clogherhead hake and prawns, accompanied sun dried tomato and basil focaccia.
There will be additional performances of Warrior of the Táin on Friday and Saturday night at 8pm in An Táin Arts Centre.
This production is the grand finale of Quintessence’s residency at An Táin. During that time they presented a number of productions including The Picture of Dorian Gray, Alice in Wonderland,
Vessel, Romeo & Juliet, Hamlet, Grimm Tales for Young and Old, The Pink Planet, Scene and Heard, Romeo and Juliet, Some of Our Children, The Star of Chester’s Lane and Cracks.
Tickets for the show are available from the box office at An Táin Arts Centre, 042 9332332 or on line www.antain.ie