The Gaiety School of Acting – The National Theatre School of Ireland has commissioned an original piece of theatre entitled ‘Dirty Laundry’ from internationally acclaimed Australian-based playwright, Chris Edmund, for the Class of 2014’s Graduation Play.

We are unique in that we are the only acting school in the country with a tradition of commissioning plays for Graduating Students. This will be the school’s 38^th original piece of theatre for graduates since 1988. The play will be performed by the graduating students at Smock Alley Theatre-1662 from 23rd to the 28th of June 2014 at 7.30pm. Tickets for this event can be booked on www.smockalley.com

‘Dirty Laundry’ is a theatre piece written for the school’s 19 graduating actors. It engages with the ideas of home in a very broad way, embracing the journey of characters from the ghost of the painter Francis Bacon to people on the very outer of society struggling to find a place for themselves in a fractured world.  Art is also central to the piece. Can it heal? Can it teach us how to live or even love? Can it in a real way be a home for people?

This play will to be performed in the main space at Smock Alley Theatre. It is written and directed by Chris Edmund, with set and lighting design and set by Marcus Costello. Roger Gregg will create a live soundscape, and costumes are being designed by Helen Connolly.

Chris Edmund notes ‘It is a great thrill to be working with such a dedicated and dynamic group of young actors as we engage in evolving a new work’

He continued ‘The themes of the play are quite confronting and I’m delighted that the cast have committed with such enthusiasm and passion in bringing this work to the stage of Smock Alley’.

Chris Edmund is the former acting head of West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) where some of his students included Hugh Jackman, Frances O’Connor and Jai Courtney.  His previous plays ‘The Devil’s Tunic’ and ‘The Butcher’s Dance’ have received rave reviews across Australia.

Hugh Jackman has said about Chris: “There is not one job that I do when I’m not using one of the pearls of wisdom that Chris gave us. He was a very influential director, teacher and writer”  Hugh Jackman – Australian Actor & Hollywood Superstar.

 

 

CAST

Graduate Class of 2014

Barry O’Connell                                 

Clara Harte                                                     

David Rowe                                                                           

Eilís Carey                                                                              

Elijah Rowen                                                                         

Ellen Cloney                                                                          

Gina Burke                                                     

Hannah Colgan                                                                                  

India Mullen                                                                          

Lauren Cardiff                                                                                   

Louise O’Meara                                                                                  

Luke McQuillan                                             

Marnie McCleane-Fay                                                           

Megan O’Flynn                                                                                  

Shane O’Regan                                                                                  

Stephen O’Leary                                                                                

Thomas Beatty                                                                                   

Wesley O’Duinn

Francine Darby