albertineFollowing on from the resounding success of last December's "The Full Monty" Ballyduff Drama Group take to the boards once again. For the first time on an Irish stage, the group bring you Michael Tremblay's "Albertine in Five Times" with performance dates on February 18th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th 2018.

The play is an exploration of the life of a woman over 5 decades, from 30 to 70. Albertine, at 70, is about to spend her first lonely night in a nursing home. She begins to reflect on her life and on the events that led her to this point; those that defined and embittered her; the disappointments; the few good memories (which usually involve her sister Madeleine). The playwright has not shyed away from depicting a hard, tough story and in doing so creates an individual of warmth and complexity. Tremblay has written the play so that five generations of the same woman interact. He has created an incredibly captivating piece illustrating the life of a woman from the brink of youth to the edge of old age.

The play is brought to you by a production team and cast which will be very familiar to audiences of St. Michael's Hall. The much recognised and much applauded directive skills of Ger Canning will once again be on display. Combine that with the talents of our actresses and this is set to be a powerful and enthralling tour de force. Síle Heneghen goes from playing a broody 30-something in The Full Monty to playing Albertine at age 70 (this woman's talents knows no bounds!). Audiences will also be accustomed to the prowess and artistry of Mary Colbert (Albertine at 60), Mary Curley (Albertine at 50), Valerie O' Leary (Albertine at 40) and for the first time with Ballyduff Drama Group Gráinne Barry (Albertine at 30) and Gabriella Mastromatteo (Madeleine). I am sure this ensemble will achieve the task of rendering Albertine in distinct shades that bring her together into one coherent character.

Join us this February and travel with our six actresses on this frequently harrowing yet ultimately uplifting journey as they depict the life of Albertine with a keen interconnectedness as she passes through 70 years of living.

It's a play about how in every person's life there are consequences to our actions but it is also a portrayal of the ways in which memory simultaneously enlightens and confuses our views of the past, present and future.

Doors open at 8.15pm. Tickets will be available nightly at the door or if you wish to book seats you can do so at 058-60456. See www.ballyduffdrama.com for more details of all upcoming events.

41st West Waterford Drama Festival
3rd March to 11th March 2023

Bookings: On 058 60456 from 22nd February 2023 - 2pm - 8pm

If using Sat Nav, be careful when inputting. There are at least three Ballyduffs in County Waterford. In particular, there is a village called Ballyduff about five miles from Waterford City. This is not us! Coordinates 52° 08' 51" N, 8° 03' 06" W will get you pretty near the correct Ballyduff! more

 

Since 1981, West Waterford Drama Festival is held in Ballyduff during March. Over three decades of dramatic excitement, community endeavour, investment in friendship and sheer good fun. All driven by an ethos of volunteerism, community and good humour. more

Supported by Waterford City &
County Council's Arts Festivals Grants