The 'taboo' of real life drama to be highlighted in new play

The Theatre Royal in Waterford will provide the venue for an intriguing new play titled, 'Taboo', on Wednesday and Thursday, September 11 and 12.

The curtain will rise at 8pm on both nights and there will be a questions and answers session after the performance on Wednesday night.

The play, which was written by John Morton, is being staged by Red 'n' Blue Theatre Company which was founded by husband and wife, Dylan Kennedy and Jenny Fennessy, who are also the two cast members in the production. The show is being directed by Shane Dempsey.

Their debut production, 'Lovesong', sold out 16 performances across Cork, Waterford and Dublin and was nominated for five Waterford News and Star Green Room awards, including Outstanding Event of the Year, Best Play and Best Director. The production won awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress. 

The theatre company's second production, 'The Flags', was nominated for a further six Waterford News and Star Green Room awards and won Best Play of the Year 2022 and Best Set while Jenny Fennessy won Best Supporting Actress.

In 'Taboo', Jenny plays the character, 'Lily', while Dylan plays, 'Tom'. 

The play is a dark comedy that allows people to get better acquainted with the skeletons in the cupboard. It tells the story of a boy and girl who, somehow, meet. Lily doesn't get out much while Tom finds it hard to meet new people, however, then end up having a first date. 

Lily cooks a three-course meal while Tom brings the flowers and wine.

Everything seems fine, however, in the modern world dating can be surprisingly complex with a lot of unwritten rules. There are certain thing that shouldn't be done a first date and there are also things that shouldn't be done at all.

The story unfolds in real time, over the three-course meal, and the audience will see how, in attempting to present their best side, the date starts to go horribly wrong for Lily and Tom.

However, by the time they get to the third course of their meal, there's nothing left but their real selves to reveal. An aspect of the play is how in todays world an increasing amount of interactions take place online, including dating, and 'Taboo' looks at two people trying to connect in the real world. Many of the issues that are prevalent in modern day society surface in the play including self-expression, social exclusion, compassion, acceptance and forgiveness.

Everyone involved with the production have stellar careers in their respective roles and this truly promises to be one of the theatrical highlights of the year. 

The audience is likely to identify with many aspects to both characters as the play develops and the story unfolds. Tickets, priced €18 and €20 are available through www.theatreroyal.ie