“Show is in very good shape” – Artistic Director

Post dress rehearsal note by Ben Barnes, Artistic Director Four Rivers.

“I attended the dress rehearsal for Amongst Men at Wexford Arts Centre on last Wednesday evening. The show is in very good shape and the actors have all taken a significant leap forward since the rehearsal room and it feels surefooted now as we move towards opening. We had a nice house of Wexford Arts Centre staff, our photographer, Colin Shanahan and our own Four Rivers people and my antennae were alert to any lapses in concentration that might betoken longueurs in the writing or less than convincing elements in the performance.

“Thankfully, there were none and I sensed a real engagement and commitment to the play from the audience.
I passed on notes to the director, Deirdre and there is time over these days before Friday night’s opening when these suggestions and her own can be picked off. It’s amazing how much work can happen in two days. Eoghan was quietly attentive to the rhythm of his play and alert to the small changes that may still need to be made.

“The views he espouses in the play are passionately held and portrayed by the actors and the narrative picks you up and holds you right to the end. It’s a fine achievement. Áine’s speech as delivered by Noelle Brown to Seán’s class of ten year olds is profoundly moving. Looking forward now to the opening on Friday.”