Galway Bay FM News Archives
Passion, betrayal and hypocrisy in new version of Ibsen’s ‘Ghosts’ at Town Hall
Date Published: 12-May-2011
London Classic Theatre presents Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen, in a new version by Frank McGuinness, next Tuesday, May 17 and Wednesday, May 18 at the Town Hall Theatre.
Although it was written in 1881, Ghosts can surprise modern audiences with some of its themes, including children born outside marriage, sexually transmitted disease, infidelity and euthanasia.
Ghosts tell the story of Helene Alving, who is preparing for the opening of an orphanage, built in memory of her late husband. Mrs Alving plans to raise this one memorial to him so that she will not have to speak of him again: he was a cheating philanderer whose public reputation was a sham. Her beloved artist son, Oswald, has returned from Paris to honour the occasion, but his long-awaited homecoming rapidly descends into tragedy as his presence triggers the exposure of a dark story of hypocrisy and betrayed love. The ‘ghosts’ in this play are taboo topics that cannot openly be discussed. Ibsen’s study of hidden passions and family secrets remains dramatically alive in Frank McGuinness’s vital new version.
The Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, who wrote such classics as The Dolls House and Hedda Gabler, was one of the truly great playwrights in the European tradition and is often referred to as ‘the father of modern drama’.
His plays were considered scandalous when they were first performed at a time when Victorian values held sway in Europe.
His work examines the realities that lay behind these facades of propriety and family values, turning a savagely critical eye towards the morality of the day.
Ibsen’s plays have been adapted by many English language writers, with Frank McGuinness,whose own dramas include Observe The Sons Of Ulster Marching Towards The Somme and Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me being the latest. McGuinness has a strong record of adapting literary classics, having translated the plays of Racine, Sophocles, Ibsen and Strindberg to critical acclaim.
The company performing Ghosts, London Classic Theatre, last year celebrated a decade tour, having performed to over 300,000 people at more than 150 theatres and arts centres around the UK and Ireland. LCT has explored the work of some of the finest playwrights of the last fifty years, including Joe Orton, Harold Pinter, Brian Friel, McGuinness and Mike Leigh.
The cast includes Peter Cadden, Hasan Dixon, Brendan Fleming, Abby Leamon, Pauline Whitaker and the production is directed by the company’s artistic director Michael Cabot.
Booking for next Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s performances is now open at the Town Hall Theatre on 091-569777 or on the web at www.tht.ie
Date Published: 07-May-2013
Galway has a population of young people which is more than twice the national average.
According to information gathered by the Central Statistics Office, Galway’s population of 20 to 24 year olds is more than twice the national average.
The number of 25-34 year olds in Galway is also more than the norm nationally, with the two main colleges thought to be the main reason.
However immigration in Galway is much higher than in other areas at 19.4 percent, compared to the national average of 12 percent.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A city councillor is encouraging people to donate goods directly to charity shops.
It follows allegations of thefts from clothes banks in Galway and across the country in recent months.
However, cameras are in place at some clothes banks and surveillance is carried out by local authorities.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor Neil McNeilis said the problem of theft from clothes banks is widespread.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A park ‘n’ ride scheme from Carnmore into Galway city could become a permanent service if there is public demand.
That’s according to the Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Michael Coyle.
The pilot scheme will begin at 7.20 next Monday morning, May 13th.
Motorists will be able to park cars at the airport carpark in Carnmore and avail of a bus transfer to Forster Street in the city.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at offpeak times throughout the day, at a cost of 2 euro per journey.
Families queue up for school’s offer of free house
West has lower cancer survival rates than rest
Galway minors continue to lay waste to all opponents
Gardaí and IFA issue a joint appeal on summer road safety
Marathon Man plans to call a halt – but not before he hits 160 races
