Mephisto bring controversial Blackbird back to the stage at An Taibhdhearc

After their critically acclaimed production of Eclipsed by Patricia Burke Brogan, Mephisto are back on stage with one of the most controversial plays of the last ten years – Blackbird by David Harrower.

Blackbird tells the story of Una, a twenty-seven year old woman still angered and disturbed by what happened fifteen years earlier between her and a man called Ray. Harrower’s play is loosely based on the case of a US Marine who abducted a twelve year old girl he had met and groomed on an internet chatroom.

Emma O’Grady (Una) returns to the stage after her compelling performance as Brigit in Eclipsed.

‘I am delighted to be working with Ian Watt, who plays Ray, and the director, Mark Westbrook. Both Ian and Mark are experienced theatre practitioners based in Glasgow. They work together at Mark Westbrook’s school, Acting Coach Scotland, which provides incredibly high levels of professional training for actors. Mark’s directing technique allows actors to really connect with each other and provides first class theatre for audiences.’

Mephisto have been producing work in Galway since 2006. This is their sixth year taking part in the Galway Theatre Festival. Past productions for the Festival include Grenades by Tara McKevitt and Face Licker Come Home by Rita Ann Higgins. This is Mephisto’s first time performing at the newly refurbished An Taibhdhearc. The first performance is at 7pm on Friday, October 4, and there will be two show on Saturday, October 5, at 1pm and 7pm

Tickets (€15/€12) are now on sale at the box office on 091-569777 or online at www.tht.ie