Historic stage play to tell the story of Bernadette
DULEEK MAN'S PLAY BEGINS RUN ON FEBRUARY 22ND
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Wednesday February 10 2010
THE north east is set to make theatrical history when 'Bernadette,' the world's first ever play based on the life of Bernadette of Lourdes, takes to the stage at the Droichead Arts Centre on February 22nd.
Written and directed by Duleek man Michael Ferguson, the play brings to life the extraordinary story of the girl whose visions in a grotto in 1858 continue to inspire millions of pilgrims to this very day.
'It's a moving story of triumph over adversity that everyone can relate to,' said Michael.
'It tells how a poor, uneducated 14-year-old peasant girl was pursued by cynical authorities determined to suppress what they didn't understand and yet her simple faith in the her 'beautiful lady' overcomes them in the end,' he explained.
Two local drama groups, the Duleek Players and Drogheda's Aistóirí Na Boinne have combined their talents for this ambitious production.
The enthusiastic cast and crew have been busy recreating the grotto and the other scenes at Lourdes in atmospheric detail.
'We have gone to great efforts with the grotto and the now famous spring.
'Our aim is to bring the miracle of Lourdes to life on each of the ten nights we are on stage.
'It makes for an incredibly poignant pieces of theatre,' said Michael.
Each year the two drama groups raise thousands of Euro for local and national charities and this year is no exception.
Among the charities set to benefit from the performances of 'Bernadette' are the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Alzheimers Association, Drogheda's Special Olympics, Brainwave and Drogheda's Women and Children's Refuge.
The thespians are advising people to book early for 'Bernadette' as interest is sure to be high.
'We expect the charities benefiting will exert great demand for tickets. So we are encourage people to support their favourite charity by reserving seats,' said Michael.
The entire crew have been putting in a huge effort to make sure that everything is right on the night and with less than two weeks to curtain up, the team is ready.
' We have a brilliant young actress Geraldine Carey in the title role. Emily Thomson and John Wheatly are superb as her parents and a striking performance by Angela Dunlevy as Aunt Bernarde is not to be missed.
'Con McGinley and Stephen Maguire give commanding performances as the doubting clerics of Lourdes Fr Peyramale and Fr Pomian complemented by Betty Clinton as the formidable Sr. Vazous.
'Bosco Mc Dermot and Guy Lynch portray ' the Baddies', the mayor of Lourdes and the Imperial Prosecutor and three new young talents Aoife Harmon, Marie Dardis and Dean Williams take to the stage as Bernadette's sisters and friend.'
'Bernadette' goes on stage at 8pm in the Droichead Arts Centre on Monday, February 22rd and runs until March 5th.
For more information contact Michael Ferguson at 087-2524190.
