Arts Centre CEO gives thumbs up to Amongst Men

Elizabeth Whyte, CEO Wexford Arts Centre:

“Had the pleasure of sitting in on dress rehearsal of Amongst Men by Four Rivers tonight. This is a must see production over Easter. A very original reflection on the Rising/Civil War period (1916-1923) and the ensuing community and family wrecking pro-treaty v anti-treaty rancour that resonated down through the decades. The play, set in rural Wexford in the 1960s, deals with the still strong after-shocks. Terrific production and stellar cast with stand out performance from Noelle Brown as former Cumann na mBan fighter Áine and now feisty mother to school teacher son Seán played perfectly by Dylan Kennedy, conflicted over having to choose which version of history around the rising and its aftermath to teach to the children. Mark Lambert plays the capitalist progression over nostalgic ideals in his brilliant portrayal of local TD Goff and Arthur Riordan as Connick the priest and principal of the school exudes smug control in his ability to clamp down on any hint of radicalism in his parish. An excellent thought-provoking play written by Wexford playwright Eoghan Rua Finn beautifully directed by Deirdre Dwyer. Atmospheric lights by Colin Doran and sound by Fiona Sheil with costumes by Frances White on split scene set constructed by the wonderful Mark Redmond highlight further the divides over a revolution with a vision for a more equal and compassionate Ireland – a vision that has not yet come to pass. A beautiful treat to see this high calibre production on intimate Wexford Arts Centre stage. Congratulations to all of the Four Rivers production team. Book while you can!

Eoghan Rua Finn is the recipient of the Wexford Playwright Commission award. He developed this play, selected from commission open call for production, with support from this award. This commission forms part of Wexford County Council’s Decade of Centenaries Programme (2012- 2023) and is funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under their Community Strand. Also supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.