Cloda wins leading role in Siamsa Tire production
Local girl Cloda Curran, who has been with the company since childhood, is playing Áine, the central character in Imigéin, based on one woman’s journey to find a place she can call home.
Imigéin is also the directorial debut of Joanne Barry who has been with Siamsa Tíre since she was eight years of age. She was appointed repertory director last December.
An extensive amount of research went into the production which also has plenty of music, song and dance. Ms Barry said they uncovered many stories and the one chosen revolved around one girl and one family.
“I hope that our audiences will be moved by our truthful portrayal of one aspect of emigration, the difficult decision to leave and make a better life in another place,” she said.
‘’We are telling this story as a very timely homage to the generations of emigrants from our country and those who have had to leave in more recent times. Emigration is part of our folk memory and is becoming ever present in Irish life today.
“We’ve got standing ovations most nights and are getting very good support locally,” she added.
Some experienced people who worked closely on the production in recent months include choreographer Sue Ellen MacCarthy, set and costume designer Conor Murphy and musical dramatist Conor Mitchell.
The cast includes: Cloda Curran, Geraldine Hurley, Liam Antaine Ó Cathasaigh, Derwin Myers, Sean Hanafin, John Fitzgerald, Anne O’Donnell, Adrienne Heaslip, Ellen Winters, Abigail Herrick and Niamh O’Leary.
Ms Barry, from Kilmoyley, Co Kerry, joined Siamsa Tire, in 1987, and went on to complete a BA in English and an MA in drama and theatre studies at UCC.
In 2002, she joined the company as a full-time member and has featured in most of its major productions, including tours of Ireland and Europe.
Imigéin continues its runs all this week until Saturday.
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