Anthony explores #metoo
Louth’s Quintessence Theatre are set to stage the second play in their ‘Hear Me Roar: Women, Gender and Silence’ series as part of their residency at the Droichead Arts Centre, Stockwell Street, Drogheda.
‘#MeToo, Three, Four…’ is an original new play, devised by the company to explore the subtle power dynamics between the genders, and how the #MeToo movement has completely changed our understanding of consent through the intertwining lives of 4 Irish characters brought together by one inflammatory social media post.
Dromiskin actor Anthony Kinahan plays the part of a young man, who in a bid to how his support for the women in his life and the viral #MeToo movement, posts a status on social media inviting any women he might ever have made uncomfortable, or crossed a line with, to tell him so.
To his shock, three women from his past emerge, all with stories to tell and lessons to teach him that implode his present, and change his future forever…
Anthony, who is also the show’s producer, has been with Quintessese since 2016 and has taken part in all their major productions since then, including Cracks which toured nationally.
‘I play the part of Sean, a young man who puts a post up on social media declaring himself an ally of all those affected by the #MeToo movement. He asks that if he has ever done anything to make a man or woman to feel uncomfortable, they should contact him. He doesn’t really think anyone will but then three different women get in touch.’
The play explores these three women’s stories, giving them a voice as they break the silence, and the impact which the #MeToo movement has had on people in real everyday life and not just the confines of Hollywood.
The play also features Leah Rossiter, who lived in Dundalk for a number of years, Fiona Keenan O’Brien and Rebecca Hickey.
Director Anna Simpson, says: ‘I am thrilled to be creating a programme of new work unearthing women’s voices and stories, as it is something we are passionate about as a female-led theatre company, which would not be possible without the support of both Droichead Arts Centre and the Arts Council through the form of this exciting new residency.’
Quintessence took up their role as Theatre Company in Residence at Droichead Arts Centre for 2019, having previously been in An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk. They have devised several productions including ‘Cracks’, ‘Some of Our Children’, and ‘ The Star of Chester’s Lane’.
Their next work planned planned for Spring 2020 is ‘ The Curious Case of Albert Cashier: Lincoln’s ‘Lady’ Soldier’,based on the true story of a Clogherhead born transgender soldier who journeyed to America to take on a new identity and fight in Lincoln’s army.
‘#MeToo, Three, Four…’ opens in the Droichead Arts Centre tomorrow ( Wednesday) night at 8pm for four nights, with a matinee on Friday at 11.30am. Booking www.droichead.com or ph 041 9833
Learn how to make scented soy wax candle with Karen Lavelle of Soilse Candles on Saturday from 2pm to 5pm at Creative Spark. To book phone 938 5720
The talented young dancers from Crystal Ice Dance Academy present the Prodigy 10 Showcase this Friday and Saturday night in An Táin Arts Centre. The dancers, aged 23 to 21, have won various dance competitions over the years and have also qualified three times to represent Ireland in the hip hop championships in Las Vegas.
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The Oscar nominated film Green Book starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali is showing tonight at 8pm as part of the Access Cinema programme at An Táin Arts Centre.