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A full sensory experience with KATS theatre
Tess Felder
“MARY Girard has been incarcerated by her husband in a psychiatric hospital for the rest of her days, after he discovers she is pregnant with another man’s child. She shares her cell with her thoughts and these thoughts manifest themselves as four spirits (the furies), who sneer and taunt Mary taking delight in her pain. So begins the journey for a young woman, left with nothing but her thoughts, as she is slowly but assuredly driven insane as she realises the direness of her situation.”
No, this is not another horror film coming to the Kilkenny cinema, but one of the plays being staged by the KATS theatre group in Cleere’s Theatre from March 10-13.
This one-act play, ‘The Insanity of Mary Girard’ by Lanie Robertson, will run alongside two other one-act plays: ‘A Step in the Right’ written and directed by local man John Whitley, and ‘The Extraordinary Revelations of Orca the Goldfish’ directed by Alan Grant.
‘The Insanity of Mary Girard’ is set in 1790 in the cell of Mary Girard and is based on true events which took place in the Pennsylvanian state institute back in 1790. It was not unusual for girls to find themselves institutionalised by tyrannical individuals. The tranquilliser chair was a common method of “therapy” used. Its victim could be strapped into this device for sometimes years. The chair also had a light deprivation box attached which went over the head, as sensory deprivation and utter stillness were believed to be therapeutic. In opposition to this was the gyrator and rotation machine, favoured by some to cleanse the soul of the demons of insanity.
Taking on the challenging role of “Mary Girard” is Leitrim native Orna Ward. “Orna who is more familiar for treading the boards with Kilkenny Musical Society and the Watergate Pantomime Society will find this role an emotional rollercoaster,” explained director Declan Taylor. “She is a woman in placed in a terrible situation in a time when the rights of women were disregarded, suspicion was everywhere and people feared the unknown, never underestimate the power of an accusing finger,” he added.
“Orna comes from good stock. Her family in Carrigallan are regular finalists on the All-Ireland drama circuit and in Orna’s case the apple has not fallen very far from the tree. Ultimately its her job to hold the audience’s attention, drawing them into her struggle and take them on her amazing journey from terrified girl at the start to the strong determent defiant woman she becomes,” Declan said.
“It will make for uncomfortable watching at times, but I make no apologies for that,” added Declan. “It’s a tough topic, and as recognition of the life of Mary Girard it demands to be told warts and all just like the writer intended.”
Booking is now open on 086 0594162; tickets are f10. Simply leave a message giving your name, the night you wish to attend, and the amount of tickets you require.
The tickets will be left on the door for collection on the night.
“Also Jennifer Quinn, owner of La Rivista restaurant on Parliament Street is kind sponsor of our shows, so why not make a night of it by enjoying three-course dinner for two plus a bottle of wine for f50 before our show,” Declan suggests.
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Weather for Kilkenny
Saturday 04 February 2012
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