TONIGHT: Celebratory theatre event to feature two of Waterford's finest
Renowned Waterford playwright, Jim Nolan
A very special event will take place in Waterford's Theatre Royal this evening, Thursday, May 29, at 7.30pm.
'An Evening With Jim Nolan', will see the renowned playwright in conversation with another stalwart of the Waterford and national theatre and film world, Carrie Crowley.
The night will be a celebration of the 40th anniversary of 'The Gods Are Angry, Miss Kerr', which resulted in RTE describing Jim Nolan as 'a talent on the rise' at the time of the works release in 1985.
Fast forward forty years to tonight and the Bowler Hat Theatre Company will host what promises to be a very special evening in the Theatre Royal to honour this critically acclaimed work from Waterford’s most renowned playwright.
Ms Crowley will host the evening and the audience will be invited to 'eavesdrop' on an intimate chat with the notoriously private and immensely proud Déise man, who was the recipient of a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at this year's Waterford News & Star Green Room Awards.
(A video of Mr Nolan receiving his award can be viewed here)
Tonight's reflection of Jim Nolan’s debut, full length play will provide theatregoers with a unique behind the scenes peak into the creation of the work that led to a lifelong successful writing and directing career. The play made its debut on the Theatre Royal stage, as Red Kettle Theatre Company’s inaugural production on May 2, 1985. For tonight's event Jim has carefully selected some of his favourite scenes from the play, which will be performed by an ensemble of talented local actors and directed by Waterford’s Liam Meagher and Andrew Holden.
Set in the summer of 1956, ‘The Gods are Angry, Miss Kerr’ focuses on the lives and dreams of Jute Factory workers in Waterford and recalls the industrial decline of the city following the factory’s closure. The play delves into the characters’ search for meaning and purpose in their lives, particularly in the face of hardship and uncertainty.
A spokesperson for the Theatre Royal said: "In celebrating this crucial milestone in the career of the writer, Jim’s longtime friend Carrie Crowley will look for the inside track on questions he has so skilfully avoided over the years such as 'does he still like it?', 'what would he change about it now?' and 'where does it rank in his body of work?'.
To hear the answers to these questions and experience a taste of quality, local live theatre, book tickets now for what promises to be a magical night at the Royal. Profits from the night will go to the Ted and Mary O’Regan Arts Bursary, specifically for new young Waterford Writers.
