From ‘Page to Stage’ – 12 plays, one evening in Laois
Mary Pat Maloney and Siobhan Hoy
MOUNTMELLICK Community Arts Centre played host to an exciting evening of theatre on Friday 20 March when local dramatists showcased 12 one-act works as part of the event.
was organised by Mountmellick Arts Collective and supported by Creative Ireland. Twelve one-act plays were performed throughout the evening, each one written by a local playwright.
John Whelan, whose play was penned under the pseudonym Johnny Renko, said the event was “risky, ambitious and at times a bit of a tightrope walk,” but “the almost 50-strong cast and crew, under the direction of the ultra-calm Ellen Buckley and producer extraordinaire Colette Wrafter, pulled it off with aplomb.”
Calling a “magnificent achievement,” John said the arts centre was “buzzing from the get-go.” He praised the “powerful and poignant” performances that ran “the full gambit of emotions and subject matter.” He noted that the plays touched on health and wellbeing, hypocrisy, drugs, reality TV, bullying and coercive control, revenge, the paranormal, unrequited love and AI.
“It’s only proper to also applaud the fabulous venue that is Mountmellick Community Arts Centre,” John said, adding: “What a theatre, what a facility right on our doorstep being put to such good use.”
Mary Corcoran, a member of Mountmellick Arts Collective, echoed John’s sentiments, calling it a “special night.” “Audiences arrived to enjoy an evening of drama with a difference,” she said, adding: “It was like sitting down with a box of chocolates. There was a variety of performances that not only entertained but provoked thought and emotion.”
Mary acknowledged the theatre professionals, volunteers, writers and performers who collaborated to make the event a success. She thanked the audience for attending and “being there to support the arts.” Minnie Montaigne attended as an audience member. “The production was smooth,” she remarked, adding: “Between each of the 12 plays there was a flawless technical transition by the stage crew.”
Minnie also praised the lighting design, calling it “perfection in itself.” She thanked director Ellen Buckley, the production team, producer Colette Wrafter, Siobhan Parkinson and members of Mountmellick Arts Collective.
Playwrights on the programme included John Whelan (under the pseudonym Johnny Renko), Sheelagh Coyle, Frances Harney, Arthur Broomfield, producer Colette Wrafter and more. Tomas Fitzgerald provided lighting design for the event, with the assistance of Ron Lawlor.
Producer Colette Wrafter said Mountmellick Arts Collective would like to establish the community arts centre as a theatre for new writing, where a dedicated audience can be built up over time.
