Roscommon Presents Here we are again still, May 26

'Here we are again still' is a wonderful new play written by Druid favourite Christian O'Reilly and it comes to Roscommon for one performance only on Thursday 26th May at 8pm.

A moving, funny and inspiring play about two broken men trying to make their way back from the margins, 'Here we are again still' embarks on a nationwide tour this May as part of The Bealtaine Festival 2011. Directed by Andrew Flynn (Decadent Theatre), the cast features Eamonn Hunt ('The Running Mate'), Andy Kellegher ('Playboy of the Western World') and Brid Ni Neachtain ('Cre Na Cille', 'Ros na Run').

Paddy sits on the same bench outside his flat every night, unable to sleep since the death of his wife. His elderly neighbour Imelda does her best to drive him indoors, but there's no talking to him. Then one day Paddy is annoyed to find a troubled young man called Tony sitting on his bench...

The show was first produced during Galway Theatre Festival. The play was a special commission as part of 'Public Art Galway' and 'Galway City Council's % for Arts Initiative'. Playwright Christian O'Reilly ('The Good Father' and 'Inside I'm Dancing') drew inspiration from the personal experiences of residents of Walter Macken Place in Galway city through a series of storytelling workshops.

O'Reilly spoke about his experience of the commission: "This project gave me the opportunity to get to know a community I might otherwise never have known. This - the chance to engage on that level with a community - is one of the things I love about the 'Per Cent for Art' initiative. Those who participated in our story-telling sessions were enthusiastic, open and interesting. It was a privilege to meet them and to get to know them. Their stories gave me a sense of them as people and of the world of Walter Macken Place."

In Irish society, so many live and work in isolation. This show is a fine example of how community can bring people back together, facilitating an escape from circumstantial and sometimes self imposed separation and lifestyles. Community, interaction, sport and recognition of our common human spirit serve to bring us together in countless important ways. 'Here we are again still' is ultimately a hopeful, uplifting and inspiring show for all of us, individuals, groups and communities.

"O'Reilly both localises and universalises the action: he celebrates the people who inspired the play, but tells a story that could be set almost anywhere.... Moves with fluidity and dynamism"
- The Irish Times

Roscommon County Youth Orchestra recital
Members of Roscommon County Youth Orchestra will host a free afternoon recital at Roscommon Arts centre on Saturday 28th May at 3pm. Featuring members of this county-wide group, including a new brass section in Ballaghaderreen and this free concert presents their debut performance alongside the woodwind and strings section from Boyle and Roscommon. The orchestra will be conducted by Vincent Hunt, accompanied by tutors Cathal Roche (woodwind), Natalia Gorovenco (strings) and Gerry Lacey (brass).

RCYO is a partnership between Roscommon County Council, Roscommon VEC with the support of RIDC. More information and booking through Roscommon Arts Centre on 090 6625824.

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