Participating in a performance of The Vagina Monologues might not seem an obvious addition to a residency, where I've mostly been developing my practice as a maker of work for young audiences, but this, less than obvious, inclusion in my year made for one of the most rewarding experiences of my time at Mary Immaculate College.
Spurred on by my colleague (and my own personal MIC guide and guru), Dorothy Morrissey, I was persuaded to participate in Eve Ensler's epic play. Dorothy (of the Arts Education and Physical Education Department) and Carole Quigley (of the Drama & Theatre Studies Dept) wrangled a group of willing (but nervous) staff and PHD students into performing the piece on International Woman's Day (March 8th) with all proceeds going to McGarry House in Limerick, an organisation that provides emergency accommodation for homeless men and women. https://www.novas.ie/services/mcgarry-house/
We were directed by Fiona McDonagh (also of the Drama & Theatre Studies Dept) and I was joined on stage by Anne Blake, Deirdre Flynn, Helen O'Dea, (who wrote her own vagina monologue, entitled There were no Vaginas in our House) Vicky Brady, Emma Fisher, Fionnuala Tynan, Miriam Hamilton, Carole and Dorothy. Major credit is also due to Mike Finneran (Head of D&TS) and his students who lit, stage managed, worked front of house and ushered for us, making an anxious bunch of performers much more at ease.
I must make it clear at this point that though I'm a theatre maker and theatre enthusiast I am not a performer. I quite enjoy reading plays aloud and am more than happy speaking in front of groups but performing something, learning it off and standing in front of a paying audience? Not so much. However I was prevailed upon by Dorothy's enthusiasm and it was a good cause and felt like I should be taking any and all opportunities that came my way as Artist in Residence. Right?
And, to my surprise, it was a real delight and pleasure! Not alone did I do it. (Performing for the first time since my college final year show!) but I was immediately introduced and plugged into a community of marvelous MIC women. I was greeted in the corridor by my fellow actors and recognised and congratulated on my performance by audience members. With one project I had integrated, at least a little into the fabric of the college.
And I had performed. Development of my own practice indeed! And if you want to get a taste of what I was at press play on the link below.... I call it CUNT!
Spurred on by my colleague (and my own personal MIC guide and guru), Dorothy Morrissey, I was persuaded to participate in Eve Ensler's epic play. Dorothy (of the Arts Education and Physical Education Department) and Carole Quigley (of the Drama & Theatre Studies Dept) wrangled a group of willing (but nervous) staff and PHD students into performing the piece on International Woman's Day (March 8th) with all proceeds going to McGarry House in Limerick, an organisation that provides emergency accommodation for homeless men and women. https://www.novas.ie/services/mcgarry-house/
We were directed by Fiona McDonagh (also of the Drama & Theatre Studies Dept) and I was joined on stage by Anne Blake, Deirdre Flynn, Helen O'Dea, (who wrote her own vagina monologue, entitled There were no Vaginas in our House) Vicky Brady, Emma Fisher, Fionnuala Tynan, Miriam Hamilton, Carole and Dorothy. Major credit is also due to Mike Finneran (Head of D&TS) and his students who lit, stage managed, worked front of house and ushered for us, making an anxious bunch of performers much more at ease.
I must make it clear at this point that though I'm a theatre maker and theatre enthusiast I am not a performer. I quite enjoy reading plays aloud and am more than happy speaking in front of groups but performing something, learning it off and standing in front of a paying audience? Not so much. However I was prevailed upon by Dorothy's enthusiasm and it was a good cause and felt like I should be taking any and all opportunities that came my way as Artist in Residence. Right?
And, to my surprise, it was a real delight and pleasure! Not alone did I do it. (Performing for the first time since my college final year show!) but I was immediately introduced and plugged into a community of marvelous MIC women. I was greeted in the corridor by my fellow actors and recognised and congratulated on my performance by audience members. With one project I had integrated, at least a little into the fabric of the college.
And I had performed. Development of my own practice indeed! And if you want to get a taste of what I was at press play on the link below.... I call it CUNT!
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