druid

For the week Sept. 5 - 11 2005, Druid Theatre brought it's acclaimed production of Synge's entire plays to Inis Meain, part of the Aran Islands.

The entire production occupied virtually the entire hold of a fairly large cargo ship, which once at the island was transferred to the site by a mixture of JCB's and tractor and trailers. It included: 30 sheets ply, 100+ lengths of wood in various dimensions, lighting supplied by Blacklight, our PA (sent out on 2 pallets with some misgivings!), 6 pagoda style tents, 500kVA Generator, 20 miles cable (at a guess!), 3 portaloos, 5 massive trunks costumes and props. And some lobsters, red wine, and survival blankets (not for the cast, for the audience)

Part of the production was staged indoors in the small community hall, but the highlight of the production was the staging of the entire Synge Cycle outdoors in a neolithic fort which overlooked the island from a height of 140m. This meant the contruction of ramps for access for the audience and crew.

Despite two days of constant rain and wind during the fit up, the show took place in perfect weather. Shots from the performance day can be viewed at www.mcmphoto.com

The photos here aren't great but I was busy trying to keep warm.

Day one. Complete with dinosaur-sized cowpats. (not visible)

view of Dun Chonchur from below. See the top of the tent?

<< A whole new meaning to farfield...

<< (and far left) The ramps constructed by Tom and the guys. The ropes are spliced. Not tied, spliced. Notice the non-slip cleats. Oh yeah, did I mention it was raining while they built these?

<< Night time. Day 3 of fit up. The thing on stage is part of a bench. The guys had to build 10 of them. On a hill, in a fort, in the rain. But hey they had electricity....Then the director, the designers and friends sat on one before it was finished and bust it....Not funny. At all.

(Below) One of 6 tents. The first two are dressing rooms and the green room. The far one is techie-land