Dermot Bolger’s acclaimed play The Parting Glass returned for a nationwide tour last week. Currently on in the Project Arts Centre Dublin the play will tour the country over the coming weeks. Produced by axis: Ballymun and starring Ray Yeates (Director of Axis) the one-man play centres around the night when Thierry Henry ruined Ireland’s World Cup hopes. But it also tells the story of protagonist Eoin’s life as a returning Irish emigrant. We spoke with the star Ray Yeates about the project.
Can you tell us a bit about this play, what can people expect?
It’s a very warm funny trip through Ireland’s recent history up to the present day told by a man who has just said good bye to his son at Charles de Gaulle Airport. They have just witnessed Ireland’s exit from the World Cup through Theirry Henry’s handball. A lot of things have hit home now for Eoin as he sits at home in Dublin Airport and he needs to talk about them.
How did you first come across Dermot Bolger’s script? Were you reading it with the intention of taking on the role of Eoin?
Yes I had always thought of doing it as I had performed in the prequel to this play In High Germany when I lived in America.
The play is centered around recent events in Ireland, events that arguably are yet to be resolved. Is that something that theatre can do that perhaps, say, film, for logistical reasons, can’t?
Theatre asks good questions sometimes but doesn’t deal in answers. At the end Eoin wants to move on and that is what we all want to do.
You brought the production over to New York last year, was there much interest there in what’s happening in Ireland at the moment?
Enormous interest from Irish emigrants and Americans. The play is a primer for anyone out of touch.
The Project performances kick off a fairly extensive national run, I’d imagine it’s quite instructive bringing productions around the country to gauge different reactions…
Audiences are always surprising and different. I am particularly looking forward to playing outside Dublin.
I would go to a lot of gigs, a lot of films but despite the best intentions don’t seem to make it to much theatre. Is there more that can be done to engage people that aren’t already regular theatre goers?
Theatre is a bit of an addiction, you get hooked and then you’re in, like opera. It’s good to go with people who go a lot and then go on your own. I think we need to have free previews and as much engagement by actors writers and directors with the audience as possible. Theatre for young people is obviously critical for later enjoyment.
What are the future plans for Axis?
Apart from world domination?!! The plan is always the same to be of service to the Ballymun Community through the arts but to do so in ever more sophisticated and innovative ways growing with and listening to our audience and then showcasing our work nationally and internationally.
By Kevin Donnellan.
Project Arts Centre, Dublin: Monday 4th April – Saturday 16th April
Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge: Thursday 21st April
Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda: Monday 2nd May (part of Drogheda Arts Festival)
An Grianan, Letterkenny: Wednesday 4th May
The Dock, Carrick on Shannon: Thursday 5th May
Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar: Wednesday 11th May
Solstice Arts Centre, Navan: Friday 13th & Saturday 14th May
Everyman Palace, Cork: Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th May
Draoicht, Blanchardstown: Saturday 21st May
Aras Eanna Arts Centre, Inis Oirr, The Aran Islands: Saturday 28th May
Town Hall Theatre Galway: Tuesday 31st May & Wednesday 1st June
Belltable Arts Centre, Limerick: Wednesday 8th & Thursday 9th June
Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire: Friday 10th & Saturday 11th June
