Stage premiere of play inspired by lockdown
THE Hawk’s Well Theatre has announced the premiere of Miriam Needham’s Snapshot.
Hailed as “a real triumph” during its preview, the show starring Miriam and Nichola MacEvilly, takes place on Saturday, August 28, with a matinee at 2pm, and an evening showing at 8pm.
It will be performed in the newly renovated Hawk’s Well auditorium to socially distant audiences. Worked on extensively during Miriam’s ongoing Hawk’s Well residency, Snapshot was inspired by real-life interviews with people in the Sligo area about their experiences during the first lockdown. It is a record of a global event through a local lens. The comedy-drama piece, directed by John Carty, is set in the early days of the first lockdown, and explores how we remember and the different ways in which we cope.
It is a story of two sisters trying to connect in a disconnected world and finding their footing in a changing landscape. Through their relationship, it explores loss, loneliness and shared memories, all with humour and a lightness of touch.
Speaking about the play, Miriam says: “I really wanted to hear individual people’s different experiences. I was interested in focusing locally as well here in Sligo. I did want to capture this moment in time in a capsule and make it into a play, and in a way I have done that, but in the development process I ended up making a play that’s all about memory and how we remember.”
Previewing her work online with ‘A Little Snapshot’ back in May, the show has been exceptionally well received. “A real triumph. I got a shiver down my spine”, said one viewer, while another called it “profound in ways that surprised”. Another summed it up as “really moving, funny and poignant. The performance will be followed by a post-show discussion with the cast. Seating capacity is limited and tickets must be pre-booked in advance. Tickets for both shows priced €15 (plus €1 booking fee), are available now. For enquiries or to book, visit www.hawkswell.com or call 071 9161518.