House Plays: Act IV

An evening of witty theatre and fine dining in one of Ireland's most spectacularly grand Big Houses!

On Saturday April 20th & April 27th, 2024, mirth, laughter & tears will be yours as we present a special collaboration between artists, musicians & theatre performers: "House Plays" returns for a thrilling Spring '24 run – launching at Coollattin House, Shillelagh, Co. Wicklow— the former Fitzwilliam estate.

** DOORS OPEN 7PM -- PERFORMANCE BEGINS 8PM **

PLEASE NOTE: Due to catering and seating restrictions, only a limited number of tickets will be available at the door. We encourage everyone to pre-book and purchase tickets in advance.

HOUSE PLAYS: Act IV written & directed by Mina Tenison - A duel for dominance emerges amongst the support staff as the household gets ready for the big funeral of its 90-year old patriarch.

The Butler & The Housekeeper  (DEAD AS A DOORNAIL) - 28 minutes

PLAYERS: Ken Fletcher, Carmel Stephens, Eabha Fitzpatrick, Angela Braghiș Ghirchircic, Sebastian Stephenson

PARTICIPATING VISUAL/MIXED-MEDIA ARTISTS:

Una Curley: Una Curley is a mixed media artist, who uses mainly natural materials, repurposed and/or found objects to express concepts and emotions which words cannot. Her labour-intensive arts practice raises awareness of artist value and our emotional relationship to time, materials, and cultural heritage. Her installations call the viewer to question and engage with aspects of her work. Her traveling version of the Magdalene Laundry installation is based on her research into the local Irish flax farming community and the relationship between linen, rushes, and hessian. She asks the question: who are these women Ireland have chosen to forget? What are the relics they have left? How can we remember them and that they are never forgotten?

Ruth Barry: Ruth Barry is an Irish artist whose practice reflects her interest in our connection to the food chain and the organic world. Tonight, you are invited to indulge in the feast at her banquet dinner installation to hail in the beauty of spring. ‘A good dinner party leaves a lasting imprint in our memories as well as few stains on the posh tablecloth – So let’s laugh together over spilt red wine and convivial festivities.’- Ruth Barry

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***If you are interested in hosting House Plays for May 2024, please let us know as our dates are filling up!

Previous seasons of House Plays have been hosted at many venues, including:

• Anaverna House, Co. Louth (courtesy of Vere Lenox-Conynham)
• Castle Leslie, Co. Monaghan (courtesy of Sammy Leslie)
• Cavan County Museum, Ballyjamesduff Co. Cavan (courtesy of Savina Donohoe)
• Clonageera House, Co. Laois (courtesy of Adrienne & Glascott Symes)
• Lisnavangh House (courtesy of William & Emily Butler)
• Mountainstown House (courtesy of Atlanta Pollock)
• Narrow Water Castle, Co. Down (courtesy of Marcus Hall)
• Rokeby Hall, Co. Louth (courtesy of Jean & Jeff Young)
• Rossnaree House, Co. Meath (courtesy of Aisling Law)
• Ryevale House, Co. Kildare (courtesy of Caroline Stephenson)
• St. Patrick’s National School Theatre, Co. Cavan (courtesy of Alice Ford)
• Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois (courtesy of Thomas & Gesa Cosby)
• 12 Henrietta Street Dublin 1 (courtesy of Ian Lumley)