The Ark explores human survival as part of Alternative Kilkenny Arts Festival

Kilkenny’s artistic collective Cult Collective, in proud partnership with the Kilkenny Arts Office, is excited to announce its latest theatrical production, ARK, set to premiere at The Barnstorm Studio from August 8 to August 11.

ARK is a gripping narrative that delves into the heart of human survival and conflicting ideologies in the face of an unnamed apocalypse. Written by Fionn Bowes- Fitzpatrick and directed by Fern Kealy, this play promises to captivate audiences with its intense storyline and compelling performances.

The story follows Noah, a grizzled middle-aged tech guru, who finds himself stranded in an isolated cabin with his young son Axel and their life-like AI housekeeper Athena. Their precarious peace is shattered when siblings Joanna and Randy, seeking shelter, stumble upon their refuge. As tensions rise and ideologies clash, the characters grapple with profound questions about how to save humanity.

The play stars Ken Bourke as ‘Noah’, Sarah Bergin as ‘Joanna’, Aidan Donohue as ‘Randy’ and Jessica Irwin as ‘Athena’.

Cult Collective is dedicated to bringing thought-provoking and high-quality art to the community. Cult Collective began as Cult Theatre 2016 as a mission to bring independent, experimental theatre to the people of Kilkenny.

Since lockdown and the post-Covid period, Cult had been struggling to get back on their feet, but in 2023 re-launched as Cult Collective, expanding their horizons about what the cultural landscape could look like in Kilkenny.

Along with theatre productions, the Collective also host Scratch Nights every month, along with film screenings, artistic workshops and more.

Ark will run at the Barnstorm Studio on John’s Quay from August 8 to 11 at 7:30pm. Tickets are €12 and €10 concession (plus booking fee) and are available at www.eventbrite.com

Ark is running as part of this year’s Alternative Kilkenny Arts Festival which runs from August 8 to 18. For more see www.akafringe.com