Classic fairytale inspires childrenÕs drama

Date Published: {J}

A Murder of Crows is the intriguing title of Barnstorm Theatre’s upcoming play for children aged eight to twelve, which is based on the Grimm Brothers’ story, Hansel and Gretel. This tale is usually geared towards younger children but Barnstorm has developed the story both in terms of style and content to look at themes for an older age group. This touring production will visit the Town Hall Theatre on March 26 and 27.

The title comes from the collective noun for a group of crows. A murder of crows might be because crow’s raucous cry or the fact that these are scavenging birds, often associated with battlefields and graveyards.

The girl and boy in this production are like fledglings pushed out of the nest; they must overcome formidable obstacles to survive in a harsh, hungry world. Their journey is one of growth towards self-reliance and self-confidence in taking control of their own destinies.

In this play, the story is told from the perspective of a chorus of boisterous crows who cast a cold eye on the children’s plight while their squabbling antics introduce a comic element.

A Murder of Crows is directed by Barnstorm’s Artistic Director Philip Hardy; music composer Pól Brennan, a founder member of Clannad (writer of the theme from Harry’s Game, a BAFTA-nominated song which won the prestigious Ivor Novello songwriting award). It’s written by Mike Kenny whose adaptation of E. Nesbit’s The Railway Children at London’s Waterloo Station theatre won the Best Entertainment Olivier theatre award this year) and set design by Carol Betera (Irish Times Theatre Awards nominee).

The actors morph between crow and human form, and the costumes created by Harmless Creatures (Sadhbh Doherty and Clare Geraghty) fuse industrial and fashion design. Mark Galione’s lighting subtly indicates geographical and psychological changes during the play.

A Murder of Crows celebrates 20 years of Barnstorm Theatre Company which was founded in 1991 and is based in Kilkenny.

Booking for the show at the Town Hall is at tht.ie, 091-569777, or at the venue.