Drama Circle Make a Return With Gritty Play

Sligo Drama Circle have revived a gem of a play, “The Factory Girls” by Frank McGuinness, to present at the Hawk’s Well from tonight, Tuesday November 12 to Saturday, November 16. Whilst now a well established and critically acclaimed dramatist with “Someone to Watch Over Me”, “Innocence”, “Observe The Sons of Ulster…”, McGuinness began writing at 30 during a spell of unemployment and his first work was The Factory Girls. His mother worked in a local shirt factory and his inspiration is the need to give a voice to those who are oppressed or ignored, be they soldiers, hostages or factory workers.

In a Donegal shirt factory, five women must face the threat of redundancy. Led by Ellen they decide to confront both management and union and fight to determine their own future. Written in 1982 the play mirrors the harsh realities of today’s sit-ins and closures – witness the events in the Peerless and I.F.I. factories in Athy and Arklow. The factory girls challenge the employers and their conditions of work while all the time opposing the straight jacketing of society and their men-folk.

The play displays the love and humour of its female characters. It bears testimony to the strengths and skills of working women the culture of work they represent and the threat to destroy that culture. Women articulate their anger, courage and compassion throughout the unfolding drama. As Vera says “factory girls never grow old and they don’t fade away”.

Director Damien Quinn has brought together a strong cast for this production, including Marianne Fahy (who plays Ellen), Ann-Marie Byrne (Vera), Nicola Morrison (Rebecca), Pat Sweeney (Una), Niamh Curley (Rosemary), Michael Roper (Bonner), and Ronan Brennan (Rohan). Many of these actors have worked with the Drama Circle on previous productions while Ronan Brennan is a newcomer to Sligo Theatre, having lived and acted in Monaghan. The play also marks the directorial debut of Damien Quinn who is well known to Sligo audiences through his school of drama and his performances on stage.

The opening night performance on November 12 is being performed in aid of the Alzheimer Society, Sligo. Their work is constant and ongoing and any person wishing to contribute to this dedicated work can contact the Dunally Centre on (071) 46400. Admission to this production at the Hawk’s Well is €9 (€6.50 concession) and tickets can be booked from the theatre box office on (071) 61518/61526.

from The Sligo Weekender, November 13th, 2002