Release date for Coláiste an Chraoibhín’s production with a difference
The eagerly awaited production TY60 by the Transition Year students of Coláiste an Chraoibhín, Fermoy will be released as a streamed event this Friday, 13th May at 11am.
TY60 is an eclectic mix of story, theatre, music and choreography which explores themes such as denial, loss, gender identity, youth, unrequited and unconditional love, transitions and the importance of choice to name a few.
The concept of the tiny theatre movement inspired TY60. In 60 seconds the one-minute play creates a whole world in which actors have room to perform and audiences have a true experience. Playwrights submit their works, which are then selected and presented at the Gi60 International One Minute Theatre Festival each year. Since last October, students have explored many of these plays through workshops and rehearsals and have created an ensemble piece with a difference.
Covid-19 and all its restrictions were difficult, which was another reason why this style of theatre was chosen. It was possible to develop stand-alone pieces where actors were able to move between scenes as needed. Because each piece presents a separate story to the audience, there are no ‘lead actors’ in the show. This was difficult for the actors, but they adapted throughout the rehearsal process and excelled at meeting the challenge. They really engaged with the process and the result is a compelling piece of theatre complimented by live music performances, in collaboration with 5th year students and exciting choreography, which all lend themselves to the story perfectly.
The production was filmed at Fermoy Palace Theatre by film-maker Ruairi O’Neill over a two-day period in March. Backstage, props and cues were expertly handled by Transition Year students who participated in a stage management module in Transition Year. They explored staging, set design, props, lighting, sound and the value of being proactive, assuming responsibility and being organised throughout this module. Students developed the production’s artwork, which includes an eye-catching logo that perfectly complements the overall production design.
Extracts from the show were performed in the recent Fermoy Musical Society variety show ‘Live in Living Colour’. The opportunity to showcase their hard work in front of a live audience was an amazing experience for the students involved and they relished every moment of it.
All proceeds from this streamed event on Friday will be donated to Cope Foundation Fermoy, please click on the link to donate.