New Dates for “Yeats By Candlelight”
Sligo Drama Circle returns to the stage this July with our production of “Yeats By Candlelight”. Last performed in 2017, this revival includes three shows – one in the Methodist Church on Saturday July 27th at 4pm as part of our contribution to the Yeats International Summer School and two unique performances in the Mayor’s Parlour in City Hall on July 28th and 29th at 1:05pm.
Our performances in the Mayor’s Parlour have added significance for us as it represents a return to our roots. In the early days of Sligo Drama Circle, we rehearsed in what is now the Planning Office and presented our shows in what is now the Council Chamber. So, performing back in a building where it all started will be a special event for us.
With the kind permission of the Mayor and Sligo County Council we are delighted to bring this unique piece of theatre to the intimate surroundings of the Mayors Parlour – a room filled with the history of Sligo. This will truly be a unique occasion for people to experience.
The show details the life and loves of W.B. Yeats with a special focus on the women in his life. The show begins with Yeats’ first meeting with Maud Gonne and proceeds to share stories and anecdotes of his friends and lovers. These stories are given context with reference to the political and cultural life in Ireland at the time, mentioning Home Rule, the Anglo-Irish Literary Revival and, of course, the Easter Rising in 1916.
The show is interspersed with extracts from nineteen different Yeats poems which illustrate the unfolding story. Many pieces of information about W.B. Yeats will be revealed of which many people may be unaware.
Well known historical figures mentioned during the course of the show include Oscar Wilde, Charles Stewart Parnell, Lady Gregory, Countess Markiewicz, Patrick Pearse, John Millington Synge, Seán Mc Bride, James Connolly, Roger Casement and many more.
Directed by Michael Leyden with technical direction by Fintan Whelan, the show is presented by three actors: Damien Quinn, Orla Mc Sharry and Máire Hynes. With musical interludes and projections of the characters mentioned in the show, this will be a treat for visitors, especially Yeats lovers and everybody associated with Sligo. Little wonder that the show was greeted with standing ovations during previous performances.
Again, the performances of “Yeats By Candlelight” are in the Methodist Church on Saturday July 27th at 4pm and in the Mayor’s Parlour in City Hall on Sunday July 28th and Monday July 29th at 1:05pm sharp.
Admission to all performances is €10. Booking for the performances is not necessary, patrons can just turn up on the day of their preference.
Tags: W.B. Yeats, Yeats By Candlelight
