Now a member of the production team gives us an insight to the inner workings of the brains of a mad man. What? He must be mad! He did THE 24 HOUR PLAYS last year AND this year he volunteered for the overnight baby writer-sitting.
Have you taken part in THE 24 HOUR PLAYS before?
Yes, I’m a #24HrDub veteran!
What was the highlight of your previous experience?
Working with the cream of the Irish theatre industry in a fun and fast-paced environment to raise money to continue the strong legacy of Dublin Youth Theatre for many years to come. It is also wonderful to see theatre professionals mentoring members of DYT, passing on the skills so that they one day will carry on the rich association Ireland has with drama as the future makers of theatre.
What is the most memorable dramatic experience you have had, and why?
I have many but I had always been mesmerised by the actress Fiona Shaw as a kid. Seeing her usually play the baddie in films such as “Three Men and a Little Lady”, “Undercover Blues” and “Super Mario Bros.”, I was struck by her command and presence. It was this that attracted me at 15 to see her play Medea, which blew me away. The pain and anguish in her performance physically and mentally shook me. It was the first time I realised how theatre was not dependent on enjoyment.
When did you first know you wanted to be involved in the performing arts?
Probably when I was 3 or 4. I had always wanted to be an actor growing up but I started to focus more towards the production end when I hit my late teens…but I’ve always said I can be attracted back on the stage by the right role 😀
Who (living or dead) would you most like to work with?
I suppose the person in Irish theatre that has had the strongest effect on me is Marina Carr. I was lucky enough to perform some of her work on stage in college but it would be a dream to be in a professional production of a Marina Carr play, directed by Selina Cartmell (this is happening with By the Bog of Cats this year…I’m available to audition!!!) and starring Tilda Swinton.
Tell us a little about your next big project.
I am currently doing Artstrain with NAYD, which is a full-time course in drama facilitation. The experience has be amazing so far as I have not only learned how to work with youth theatres but also alot about the type of person I am, how I work best and how to work successfully with someone who may be my opposites to realise our goals.
What are you anticipating the most about THE 24 HOUR PLAYS?
Well I am excited about working in a different area this year. Last year, I worked through the day right up till curtain as a production assistant doing a wonderful array of jobs with a strong team to help get the show up and running. This year I will be working through the night with the playwrights in helping them write works of genius in a very small time frame. I expect it to ge a rollercoaster of emotions.
Sum up your feelings about THE 24 HOUR PLAYS in five words or less!
Fun, Fast, Fruitful, Fabulous, Friendship. [You left out some choice f-words there, Iain!]