Accidental's Lastest Assortment of Tantalising New Plays
Each year Accidental selects several new plays to help develop from an international call for scripts. We choose work that is unconventional, exciting, modern, unique in voice and style, and capable of challenging audiences. This year's rehearsed readings gave the authors the chance to see their work in action and give Belfast audiences a taste of quality theatre from beyond Belfast.
The readings of 2013 take place on the last Thursday of each month, July to September at 7pm.
Grievances & Whirligigs
by Donna Latham
Thursday 25th July // 7pm
Ulster Hall Group Space, Belfast
Like love, empathy, and compassion, violence begins at home. When Mary Claire visits her parents after a lengthy absence, she carries her grievances home. Attempted murder, bottled emotions, and toxic chilli boil to the surface when Mary Claire’s abusive father threatens her daughter. First in the 2013 Biscuit Tin Readings is Grievances & Whirligigs by USA born Donna Latham, directed by Claire Lamont. Latham’s Grievances & Whirligigs provides a heart-rending insight into America and family-life.
Directed by Claire Lamont
Cast: Hannah Coyle, Susan Davey, Mary Jordan, Jenna Byrne, Megan Armitage, Stephen Clarke and Fra Gunn
Ascension
by Clair Parker
Thursday 29th August // 7pm
Ulster Hall Group Space, Belfast
When society shuts them out, a family cling to one another and discover how deep their bonds really go. Based on a true story of a family who starved themselves to death in their own home in Dublin in 2000, Parker's play explores our own boundaries and beliefs and questions how far we will go with our convictions. The second in the series, directed by Stephen Beggs and written by English playwright Clair Parker, is a story of a family divided and united by their religion.
Directed by Stephen Beggs
Cast: Mary Jordan, Rachael McCabe, Hannah Coyle and Margaret McClelland
Down on the Main Road
by Damian Kearney
Tuesday 24th September // 7pm
Ulster Hall Group Space, Belfast
Faith Hartnett, the principal of Main Road School, and Dad-Man, the custodian of the school are - for different reasons - cursed to remain forever bound within the school. They take us through a day in the school’s life and try to get our heads round the fact that the school is a living, pulsating organism. The walls and boiler fall prey to colds and mood-swings, experiencing first love, reacting tempestuously to a student that had a bad time and had to leave. Directed by Fionnuala Kennedy, and written by Damian Kearney from Co. Cork, the final in the series is a real treat.
Directed by Fionnuala Kennedy
Cast: Maggie Cronin, Fra Gunn and Bronagh McCrudden