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Friday, November 11, 2005
Jim Nolan directs at the Abbey
By Eddie Hearne
THIRTEEN years on from that historic occasion, in March 1992, when his play “Moonshine” was the first play by a regional theatre company to be performed (by Red Kettle) on the main stage at the National Theatre in Dublin, Jim Nolan is back in the Abbey — this time as a director.
Twelve months later than originally scheduled — due mainly to the theatre’s recent turbulent history — a lavish new production of Lennox Robinson’s 1930’s comedy “Drama at Inish” is up and running until December 31.
It is a measure of Jim Nolan’s directorial skills that he has been chosen to bring to the stage such an important work at a delicate stage in the rehabilitation of the troubled theatre, still recovering from a financial crisis within the company.
Jim’s involvement is not the sole Waterford interest. Tony Award-winner Anna Manahan, a freeman of the city, is among a cast that includes Kate O’Toole, daughter of Peter O’Toole, and Tom Hickey, who many will remember for his role as Benjy in the “Riordans” television series on RTE.
John Olohan, an actor familiar to Garter Lane patrons, plays a cameo role in this satirical play.
Lennox Robinson’s comedy, set in the seaside town of Inish in the days of the touring fit-up travelling theatres includes attempted male suicide, a lovers’ death pact, marital disharmony, single motherhood and political corruption in its plot.
Only a director of Jim Nolan’s integrity could be relied upon to deal with such challenging themes in a work that uses comedy as a vehicle to transport it to audiences. And initial reports indicate that Jim is succeeding magnificently.
Anna Manahan plays Aunt Lizzie, with Kate O’Toole in the role of Constance. It goes without saying that if you want to take time out from whatever takes you to Dublin between now and the end of the year, a trip to the Abbey is worth consideration.
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