Bard of working-class loyalism pens new play for UK City of Culture 2013

RENOWNED loyalist playwright Gary Mitchell has been commissioned by Londonderry’s Playhouse Theatre for one of two major summer commissions during UK City of Culture 2013.
Gary Mitchell, pictured in 2000. A new play by he renowned Belfast playwright specially commissioned by the Playhouse will run next month.Gary Mitchell, pictured in 2000. A new play by he renowned Belfast playwright specially commissioned by the Playhouse will run next month.
Gary Mitchell, pictured in 2000. A new play by he renowned Belfast playwright specially commissioned by the Playhouse will run next month.

The Rathcoole-native - who has won acclaim for his depictions of working-class Protestantism - has newly-penned ‘Re-energize,’ a follow-up to ‘Energy’ in 1999, where a wannabe punk band rehearsed, bickered and tried to get their act together for that all-important first gig.

Now with original music composed by Undertones John and Damian O’Neill, and under the direction of the highly esteemed Conall Morrison, the band members re-unite - 30 years on - to do one last gig.

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‘Re-energize’ runs at the Artillery Street venue from Monday, May 13, to Saturday May 18.

The Belfast playwright joins an impressive summer programme which includes a brand new historical commission on the life of Cecily Jackson, and first ever Disability Arts Festival.

Professor at Appalachian State University, USA Georgia Rhoades will in June explore the tragic story of Cecily Jackson, who was burned in Londonderry on a charge of petty treason in 1725.

Georgia has researched the context of Cecily’s death for over 10 years, and in a joint commission by Black Sheep Theatre and The Playhouse, will bring her gripping imaginative treatment of the tale, ‘The Cook’, to The Playhouse from Wednesday, June 26 to Saturday, June 29.

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The Artillery Street theatre will also announce their first ever Disability Arts Festival throughout the first week of July, showcasing work created through The Playhouse Education Department with learners who have learning difficulties, acquired brain injuries or learners who are blind, partially sighted or Deaf sign language users.

Several of the best local theatre companies will also bring their work to the stage as part of the May- August programme of events, including Pettigo’s Borderline Players with fast paced comedy by the legendary Ray Cooney, ‘It Runs in the Family’ on Saturday June 22, An Nua’s unique production, ‘Derry’s 24’ which presents a day in the life of the city from Wednesday, July 17 to Friday, July 19, and resident Theatre Company at The Playhouse, Sole Purpose will present an entertaining and uplifting evening featuring the work of local writers who are developing scripts on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender themes on Thursday, August 22.

The Playhouse’s famous annual Children’s and Teens Art Festival will also be returning for its momentous 21st year from Monday, July 22, to Friday, August 2.

A team of fully qualified facilitators will teach a wide and colourful variety of classes, including Visual Art, Drama, Music and Dance.

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“To have such esteemed theatre heavyweights make up our 2013 summer brochure is such a treat!” Playhouse theatre programmer Áine McCarron said.

“We’re delighted to have director Conall Morrison on board for ‘Re-energize’, his work has been produced around the world, much of it at the Abbey Theatre, and most recently, he directed ‘La Traviata’ for the English National Opera and ‘The Taming of The Shrew’ for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

“To have him work on a new commission by Gary Mitchell, and team up with musical behemoths John and Damian O’Neill for the original music for this play is also a great honour, the punk music they have created provides the perfect aural trip down memory lane for a whole generation.”

For more information and to get a copy of the new May- August 2013 brochure contact The Playhouse on (028)71268027 or download a copy at www.derryplayhouse.co.uk.